CORAL GABLES, FLA. (WSVN) – A crash near Tampa claimed the lives of two children and an elderly woman. A University of Miami football player who was among the several others injured was driving one of the vehicles involved, police said.
The wreck happened Saturday afternoon in Largo, the hometown of Miami Hurricanes linebacker Adarius Hayes, located about 20 miles east of Tampa.
Now detectives are investigating whether speed was a factor.
“We heard a car downshift, a roaring engine, and we heard it all backfire. And then all of a sudden, I mean literally seconds later, you heard the impact,” said Scott Kelley, a neighbor. “The whole house vibrated.”
According to Largo Police, Hayes was driving a Dodge Durango when the 20-year-old collided with a Kia Soul as the Kia made a left-hand turn at an intersection in Pinellas County.
Paramedics rushed Hayes and several others to the hospital. The driver of the Kia and two children would not survive.
Detectives identified the deceased victims as 78-year-old Gail Price, 10-year-old Jabari Elijah Solomon and sibling 4-year-old Charlie Herbert Solomon.
58-year-old Herbert Rivera was also in the Kia and suffered serious injuries.
Neighbors say they were almost home at the time of the crash.
Hayes remains in the hospital as of Sunday night. The extent of his injuries is unknown.
Cameras showed the burgundy Durango and the mint green Soul smashed at the intersection of Orangeview Drive and Ridge Road. Investigators took photos as car parts lay strewn across the road, including the Kia’s rear bumper.
Officers said alcohol doesn’t appear to be a factor in the crash.
Hayes, a sophomore at UM, played 12 games for the ‘Canes in his debut season. In high school, he was ranked one of the top linebackers in the nation.
The student athlete’s teammates posted messages of support on social media. Fellow linebacker Raul Aguirre wrote, “Got you, bro. Keep fighting.”
The community, grieving, put out a small memorial with flowers to honor the little boys killed.
“They were here for the weekend,” said Scott. “They were spending time with their father. Say a prayer for their family. They need it right now.”
Police said they’re trying to determine what led up to the crash, adding that no criminal charges have been filed at this time pending the outcome of the investigation.
As of late Sunday night, UM officials have not issued a statement about the incident or Hayes’ condition.
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