University of Miami Linebacker Arrested
University of Miami linebacker Adarius Hayes, 18, was arrested Friday in connection with a deadly May crash in Largo, Florida, that killed three people, according to authorities. Police say Hayes was driving a Dodge Durango on May 10 when he collided with a Kia Soul carrying a 78-year-old woman, two children, and another passenger. Both children, ages 10 and 4, were ejected from the vehicle and pronounced dead at the scene. The driver, identified as 78-year-old Gail Price, later died from her injuries, while a 58-year-old passenger, Herbert Riveria, survived but suffered serious injuries. Investigators say Hayes was speeding and driving recklessly before the crash, crossing three lanes of traffic without signaling and accelerating from 70.8 mph to nearly 79 mph in a 40 mph zone just seconds before impact. Authorities noted that neither driver showed signs of impairment from drugs or alcohol, but characterized Hayes’ actions as a willful disregard for human life that directly caused the fatalities.
Hayes has been charged with three counts of vehicular homicide and one count of reckless driving with serious bodily injury. He turned himself in to the Largo Police Department on Friday and is currently being held at the Pinellas County Jail. A standout linebacker from Largo High School, Hayes was a four-star recruit and one of the most sought-after defensive prospects in the country, with offers from Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Michigan, and Ohio State before committing to Miami. As a freshman in 2024, he played in all 12 games, primarily on special teams, and was expected to play a bigger role for the Hurricanes this season. His arrest now leaves his future with the program in question as the university has not yet issued a detailed statement on disciplinary action.
The tragedy has devastated the Largo community, where the victims’ families are mourning the loss of two children and their grandmother. The crash has also sparked renewed conversations about reckless driving and accountability, underscoring how quickly lives can be destroyed by one driver’s decisions. As the case moves forward, Hayes faces the prospect of a lengthy prison sentence if convicted, while the University of Miami and its football program are left to grapple with the fallout from a tragedy that extends far beyond the football field.
