LARGO, FL – Tragedy struck in the Tampa Bay area when a University of Miami football player was involved in a fatal car crash that claimed three lives. The incident occurred in Largo, where linebacker Darius Hayes was driving his Dodge Durango. According to police, the vehicle collided with a Kia Soul, resulting in the deaths of two young children and an elderly woman.
Authorities confirmed that a 10-year-old and a 4-year-old in the Kia Soul died on Sunday. A third victim, a 78-year-old woman, also succumbed to her injuries. Another passenger in the Kia was rushed to the hospital with serious injuries. Hayes, too, is receiving medical treatment, though the extent of his injuries remains unclear.
The University of Miami football community is reeling from the news, expressing their support for Hayes on social media. Messages of solidarity and prayers for all involved are flooding in, as the community grapples with the aftermath of the tragic accident.
Police are currently investigating the circumstances that led to the collision. They are working to determine the speed of both vehicles at the time of the crash and are seeking to unravel how the accident unfolded. At this stage, no charges have been filed as authorities await the results of the ongoing investigation.
Officials have indicated that alcohol was not a contributing factor in the crash. The focus remains on piecing together the events leading up to the collision to provide answers to the grieving families and the community.
The incident has sent shockwaves through the tight-knit university and local communities, reminding everyone of the fragility of life. As investigations continue, the hope is for clarity and closure for those affected by this heartbreaking event.