University of Miami Linebacker Adarius Hayes Charged with Vehicular Homicide

LARGO, Fla. - Adarius Hayes, a 20-year-old sophomore linebacker for the University of Miami Hurricanes, turned himself in to the Largo Police Department on Friday, August 29, 2025, and was booked on three counts of vehicular homicide and one count of reckless driving with serious bodily injury following a crash on May 10 that claimed three lives.

Authorities say Hayes was operating a Dodge Durango at 78.9 mph in a 40 mph zone and executing aggressive lane changes through traffic shortly before his vehicle struck a Kia Soul lawfully making a left-hand turn at the intersection of Ridge Road and Orange View Drive. The collision resulted in the deaths of two children, ages 4 and 10-who were ejected from the Kia-and the 78-year-old driver of that vehicle. A 58-year-old front-seat passenger survived with serious injuries.

In a statement, Largo Police noted that Hayes’s “egregious speed, aggressive and reckless lane changes, and complete disregard for surrounding traffic conditions” constituted reckless driving and directly caused the fatalities. Investigators gathered video evidence and vehicle data confirming the rapid maneuvers executed approximately five seconds before impact.

Miami Athletics announced that Hayes has been placed on indefinite suspension from all athletic activities in accordance with university policy, and declined further comment on the matter. He is being held at the Pinellas County Jail on a bond of $350,000, according to court records.

Hayes-a four-star recruit out of Largo High School-appeared in 12 games during his freshman season (2024), primarily on special teams, and was anticipated to take on a larger role in 2025. His arrest arrives shortly before Miami’s season opener against Notre Dame this Sunday in Coral Gables.