Former Florida Gator commit and current University of Miami linebacker Adarius Hayes was involved in a serious car crash over the weekend that resulted in the deaths of three people, including two children.
According to Largo police, Hayes's hometown, Hayes was driving a Dodge Durango when he crashed into a Kia Soul that was making a left-hand turn at an intersection.
Hayes was taken to the hospital while three people in the Soul, a 78-year-old, a 10-year-old, and a 4-year-old, were all killed in the crash.
Initial reports indicate that alcohol was not a factor, but they have not determined if any other charges need to be filed. The injuries to Hayes are not believed to be life-threatening.
Largo Police said after the crash that:
"This is an ongoing and active investigation, and no further information is available for release at this time," Largo Police public information officer Megan Santo said in a statement.
According to one neighbor near the scene of the crash, they told reporters that:
"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. The whole house vibrated."
The Miami Herald is reporting that prior to this crash, Hayes had previously been ticketed four times, including as recently as March when he was clocked going 84 MPH in a 55 MPH zone.
Adarius Hayes flipped late in the class of 2024
Hayes was a top 150 overall prospect out of Largo High as part of the class of 2024. He verbally committed to the Gators in January of 2023 and said that throughout that summer his commitment to Florida was solid.
However, after a couple of visits with Miami, Hayes officially flipped his commitment on signing day in December of 2023 and signed with the Hurricanes.
Hayes did appear in 12 games with Miami during the 2024 campaign, mostly on special teams.