Introduction to the Incident
Miami Hurricanes linebacker Adarius Hayes has been arrested in connection with a May crash that left three people, including two children, dead, authorities said. Hayes, 20, turned himself in to the Largo Police Department Friday and faces three counts of vehicular homicide and one count of reckless driving with serious bodily injury, police said.
Details of the Crash
The crash happened on May 10 and left a 78-year-old woman and two children, ages 10 and 4, dead. "Of course they’re serious charges, I mean you have the death of three innocent people that were just driving, traveling on the roadways," Largo Police Chief Mike Loux said at a news conference Friday afternoon. Largo Police officials said Hayes was driving a Dodge Durango when he collided with a Kia Soul that the three victims were in.
The two children, who were rear passengers in the Kia, were ejected and pronounced dead at the scene. The 78-year-old woman who was driving the Kia, Gail Price, was hospitalized but died the next day. A front passenger in the Kia, 58-year-old Herbert Riveria, the 4-year-old’s father, was hospitalized but survived. Hayes was also hospitalized and later released. The children were later identified by their mother as 10-year-old Jabarai Solomon and 4-year-old Charlie Solomon Riveria.
Investigation Findings
The Durango was reportedly driving at a high rate of speed and "maneuvering aggressively" through traffic shortly before the crash, police said in a news release Friday. Investigators found that five seconds before the crash, Hayes made a "rapid and dangerous maneuver," crossing three lanes of traffic while overtaking other vehicles, police said. Moments later officials said he again crossed all three lanes without signaling before the collision happened. The Kia was making a lawful left turn when the crash happened, police said. A search warrant was obtained for the vehicle and data showed Hayes was traveling 70.8 mph five seconds before impact and accelerated to a maximum speed of 78.9 mph in a posted 40 mph zone at the time of the crash, police said.
Reaction and Aftermath
"I’m still a mother of three, but now I only have one living child that I have to stay strong for," mother Bechinta “Sheena” Solomon said after the crash. Police said after the crash that there were no signs of impairment for either driver. "The investigation concluded that Adarius Hayes’ egregious speed, aggressive and reckless lane changes, and complete disregard for surrounding traffic conditions demonstrated a willful and deliberate disregard for the safety of others, constituting reckless driving," police said in a statement Friday. "These actions directly led to the tragic deaths of the three victims." Hayes was booked into the Pinellas County Jail. Attorney information wasn’t available.
University Response
Hayes played in 12 games as a freshman for Miami last season, mostly on special teams. He was a four-star recruit coming out of Largo High and picked Miami after drawing interest from Florida, Florida State, Alabama, Georgia, Michigan, Notre Dame and Ohio State, among others. In a statement Friday, the University of Miami said Hayes has been suspended. "Following the charges issued today by the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office, student-athlete Adarius Hayes has been indefinitely suspended from all athletic related activities per athletic department policy. We will have no further comment," the statement read.
Conclusion
The incident involving Adarius Hayes is a tragic reminder of the importance of responsible driving and the devastating consequences of reckless behavior on the road. The loss of three innocent lives, including two young children, is a heartbreaking outcome that could have been prevented. As the legal process unfolds, it is essential to remember the victims and their families, who will have to live with the aftermath of this tragic event.
FAQs
- What are the charges against Adarius Hayes?
Adarius Hayes faces three counts of vehicular homicide and one count of reckless driving with serious bodily injury. - What happened in the crash?
The crash occurred on May 10 and involved a Dodge Durango driven by Hayes, which collided with a Kia Soul, resulting in the deaths of three people, including two children. - What was the cause of the crash?
According to the investigation, Hayes was driving at a high rate of speed, made rapid and dangerous maneuvers, and showed a complete disregard for surrounding traffic conditions, leading to the collision. - What is the status of Adarius Hayes with the University of Miami?
Hayes has been indefinitely suspended from all athletic-related activities by the University of Miami following the charges issued against him. - What is the current status of the case?
Hayes has been booked into the Pinellas County Jail, and the legal process is ongoing.
