Jabari Elijah Solomon, Charlie Herbert Solomon Rivera, Gail Price: Largo Mourns Three Lives Lost in Tragic Two-Vehicle Crash

On the afternoon of May 10, 2025, the quiet streets of Largo, Florida—a small city nestled on the Gulf Coast, about 20 miles east of Tampa and 15 miles north of St. Petersburg—were shaken by a devastating tragedy. At approximately 1:45 p.m., at the intersection of Orangeview Drive and Ridge Road, a two-vehicle crash claimed the lives of three individuals: 10-year-old Jabari Elijah Solomon, 4-year-old Charlie Herbert Solomon Rivera, and 78-year-old Gail Price. The collision, involving a Dodge Durango driven by 20-year-old Miami Hurricanes linebacker and Largo native Adarius Hayes and a Kia Soul driven by Gail Price, also left Hayes and another passenger, 58-year-old Herbert Rivera, with injuries. The incident, described by witnesses as catastrophic, sent shockwaves through Largo, a community unaccustomed to such profound loss, and sparked an outpouring of grief, reflection, and questions about road safety.

The crash occurred on a clear Saturday, a day when Largo’s residents typically enjoy the city’s parks, beaches, and family-friendly atmosphere. Orangeview Drive and Ridge Road, a familiar intersection in a residential area, was bustling with weekend activity—families running errands, children playing nearby, and neighbors tending to their yards. But the sound of screeching tires and a violent impact shattered the normalcy, leaving a scene of devastation that would forever mark the community. As emergency responders rushed to the site, the reality of the loss began to sink in, and Largo found itself grappling with a tragedy that would touch every corner of the city.

The Victims: Lives Cut Short

Jabari Elijah Solomon and Charlie Herbert Solomon Rivera

Jabari Elijah Solomon, 10, and Charlie Herbert Solomon Rivera, 4, were passengers in the Kia Soul, visiting Largo for the weekend to spend time with their father, according to neighbors who spoke to local media. The two brothers, described as vibrant and inseparable, were full of life, their laughter and energy a joy to those around them. Jabari, a fifth-grader, was known for his curiosity and love of sports, often seen kicking a soccer ball or riding his bike with friends. Charlie, with his boundless enthusiasm, idolized his older brother, trailing him with a toy car or a superhero cape, his bright eyes lighting up at every new adventure.

Though limited personal details are available, community members who knew the boys spoke of their warmth and the close bond they shared. A small memorial at the crash site, adorned with flowers, teddy bears, and handwritten notes, grew in the days following the tragedy, reflecting the love they inspired. One note, left by a neighbor, read, “Jabari and Charlie, your smiles will never be forgotten. Rest in peace, little angels.” The boys’ father, devastated by the loss, was supported by family and community members, who rallied to provide meals, counseling, and a space to grieve. The Solomon-Rivera family’s pain became a shared burden, as Largo mourned the futures that Jabari and Charlie would never have.

Gail Price

Gail Price, 78, was the driver of the Kia Soul, a Largo resident whose life was marked by kindness and community involvement. A retired schoolteacher, Gail had spent decades shaping young minds in Pinellas County schools, known for her patience and ability to make every student feel valued. After retiring, she remained active, volunteering at her church, tending to her garden, and spoiling her grandchildren with homemade cookies and stories of her travels. Gail was driving the Kia Soul, carrying Jabari, Charlie, and Herbert Rivera, when the crash occurred, succumbing to her critical injuries on May 11, 2025.

Neighbors described Gail as a pillar of the community, always ready with a wave or a kind word. Her home, adorned with colorful flower beds, was a gathering place for family and friends. “She was like everyone’s grandma,” said one resident, who recalled Gail’s habit of handing out candy to children on Halloween. Her death, alongside the loss of Jabari and Charlie, left the neighborhood in disbelief, as tributes poured in—cards, candles, and memories shared at a local vigil. Gail’s family, while private in their grief, expressed gratitude for the community’s support, noting her love for Largo and its people.

The Crash: A Moment of Devastation

The collision at Orangeview Drive and Ridge Road was sudden and catastrophic. According to the Largo Police Department, the Kia Soul, driven by Gail Price, was making a left turn when it was struck by a southbound Dodge Durango driven by Adarius Hayes. The impact was severe, ejecting Jabari and Charlie from the vehicle and causing critical injuries to Gail and Herbert Rivera, the front-seat passenger. Hayes, too, was injured, though his injuries were reported as non-life-threatening, and he was released from the hospital by May 12, 2025. The crash’s force was so intense that it damaged a nearby fence, leaving debris scattered across the intersection.

Witnesses described a scene of chaos and horror. Scott Kelley, a neighbor, told WSVN he heard a “roaring engine” and a “backfire” seconds before the impact, which vibrated his entire house. “It wasn’t until I saw the first body that we realized how bad it was,” another resident told NBC affiliate WFLA, noting the emotional toll of witnessing the aftermath. Emergency responders arrived within minutes, working frantically to aid the victims. Jabari and Charlie were pronounced dead at the scene, while Gail was rushed to a hospital, where she passed away the following day. Herbert Rivera, 58, remained hospitalized with serious injuries, and Hayes was treated for his injuries.

The Largo Police Department’s Traffic Homicide Unit took charge of the investigation, which remains ongoing. Preliminary findings indicate that alcohol was not a factor, and no criminal charges or tickets have been filed as of May 12, 2025. Detectives are examining factors such as the speed of both vehicles, with some reports suggesting Hayes’ Durango may have been traveling at a high rate, though this is unconfirmed. The investigation also considers road conditions, traffic signals, and witness accounts to determine the precise sequence of events. “This is an ongoing and active investigation, and no further information is available at this time,” said public information officer Megan Santo, urging the public to respect the families’ privacy.

Adarius Hayes: A Local Star in the Spotlight

Adarius Hayes, 20, is a Largo native and a rising star in college football, having graduated from Largo High School as a four-star recruit in the Class of 2024. Ranked among the nation’s top linebackers, he chose the University of Miami over offers from Alabama, Georgia, Florida, and Ohio State, among others. As a freshman in 2024, Hayes played in 12 games, primarily on special teams, recording four tackles and a 25-yard interception return in a 56-9 victory over Florida A&M. His athletic promise and local roots made him a source of pride for Largo, where he was celebrated as a hometown hero.

The crash thrust Hayes into an unexpected spotlight, as news of his involvement spread rapidly. Witnesses described him as “distraught” at the scene, and his teammates, including linebacker Raul Aguirre, posted messages of support on X, with Aguirre writing, “Got you bro🤞🏼🙏🏻 keep fighting.” The University of Miami, where the spring semester had ended on May 7, 2025, issued a statement on May 12, expressing sorrow for the three fatalities and offering thoughts and prayers to the victims’ families. The university confirmed Hayes’ release from the hospital but declined to comment on the extent of his injuries or his condition, respecting his privacy.

Hayes’ driving history, as reported by the Miami Herald, includes minor infractions: a 2023 ticket for inattentive driving, a 2024 citation for an improper lane change, and a March 2025 speeding ticket (84 mph in a 55-mph zone), which led to a brief license suspension in 2023. These details have fueled speculation, but police have not linked them to the crash, and no charges are pending. The community’s response to Hayes has been mixed—some express sympathy for the young athlete, recognizing the crash as a tragic accident, while others question his role, awaiting the investigation’s findings.

A Community in Grief

Largo, a city of about 82,000, is known for its tight-knit community, where tragedies resonate deeply. The loss of Jabari, Charlie, and Gail sparked an immediate outpouring of grief. A memorial at the crash site, marked by flowers, stuffed animals, and candles, became a focal point for mourning. Residents, many of whom knew Gail or had seen Jabari and Charlie playing in the neighborhood, gathered to pray and share memories. “They were here for the weekend, spending time with their father,” said neighbor Scott Kelley, urging prayers for the Solomon-Rivera family.

Local churches, schools, and community centers organized vigils, with hundreds attending a candlelight ceremony on May 11 at Largo Central Park. Pastors and community leaders spoke of healing and unity, while children left drawings and messages for Jabari and Charlie. Gail’s church, where she had volunteered for decades, held a special service, celebrating her legacy of kindness. The Largo High School community, where Hayes had starred as a football player, rallied around both the victims’ families and Hayes, with alumni creating a fundraiser to support funeral costs and medical expenses for Herbert Rivera.

Social media platforms, particularly X, buzzed with tributes and prayers. Posts from local news outlets like @IONTB and @wsvn reported the crash’s details, while community members shared condolences and calls for safer roads. The University of Miami’s football team, a source of pride for Florida, saw an influx of support for Hayes, with fans and teammates expressing hope for his recovery. However, the focus remained on the victims, with hashtags like #LargoStrong and #RestInPeace trending locally.

The Broader Context: Traffic Fatalities in Florida

The Largo crash is part of a troubling trend in Florida, where traffic fatalities have risen in recent years. According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, the state recorded over 3,500 traffic deaths in 2024, with Pinellas County, home to Largo, consistently ranking among the highest for crashes. Intersections like Orangeview Drive and Ridge Road, while not inherently dangerous, are prone to collisions due to heavy traffic and complex maneuvers like left turns. The crash’s severity—ejecting passengers and causing multiple fatalities—underscores the risks of high-impact collisions, often linked to speed or inattention, though these factors remain under investigation here.

Nationally, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that 2024 saw a slight decline in traffic deaths (about 40,000), but child fatalities and crashes involving young drivers remain a concern. The loss of Jabari and Charlie, both unrestrained or improperly restrained according to some reports, highlights the critical importance of car seats and seatbelts for children. Gail’s death, as an elderly driver, also raises questions about age-related driving risks, though no evidence suggests impairment or error on her part. The crash has reignited local discussions about road safety, with calls for traffic calming measures, better signage, and stricter enforcement of speed limits.

The Investigation: Seeking Answers

The Largo Police Department’s Traffic Homicide Unit is meticulously investigating the crash, focusing on several key questions: What was the speed of Hayes’ Dodge Durango? Did Gail Price’s left turn violate traffic rules or timing? Were there mechanical issues with either vehicle? Surveillance footage, witness statements, and vehicle data (e.g., black box recorders) are being analyzed to reconstruct the incident. The ejection of Jabari and Charlie suggests they may not have been properly secured, a detail that could influence findings about liability, though police have not publicly confirmed this.

The absence of alcohol as a factor, as confirmed by police, shifts attention to other potential causes—speed, distraction, or road conditions. Hayes’ prior driving infractions, while minor, have drawn scrutiny, but no direct connection to the crash has been established. The investigation’s outcome could lead to civil or criminal consequences, though the lack of charges as of May 12 suggests a complex case. Community members, while seeking answers, have urged patience, recognizing the need for a thorough process to ensure justice for Jabari, Charlie, and Gail.

Healing and Honoring the Lost

In the days following the crash, Largo’s response has been one of solidarity and action. The city’s mayor issued a statement expressing condolences and pledging support for the families, including access to grief counseling through local organizations. Schools in Pinellas County, where Jabari was a student, brought in counselors to support classmates, many of whom left notes at the memorial saying, “We’ll miss you, Jabari.” Charlie’s preschool classmates, too young to fully understand, created a mural of stars and hearts in his memory. Gail’s family, supported by her church, announced plans for a scholarship in her name for aspiring teachers, reflecting her lifelong passion for education.

The University of Miami, navigating the delicate balance of supporting Hayes while honoring the victims, has engaged with the Largo community. Athletic director Dan Radakovich, who oversees a program that saw Hayes as a rising star, met with local leaders to discuss ways to contribute, including a planned moment of silence at the Hurricanes’ next home game. Teammates, led by Raul Aguirre, are organizing a fundraiser for the Solomon-Rivera and Price families, with proceeds supporting Herbert Rivera’s recovery and community safety initiatives.

Largo residents have also called for tangible changes. A petition for a traffic light or roundabout at Orangeview Drive and Ridge Road gained hundreds of signatures, while parent groups advocated for car seat safety workshops. The crash’s timing, just before Mother’s Day on May 11, added an extra layer of poignancy, with community events dedicated to the victims’ memory. A “Largo United” walk, planned for May 17, 2025, will bring residents together to honor Jabari, Charlie, and Gail, with purple ribbons—Jabari’s favorite color—symbolizing unity.

A Lasting Legacy

As Largo moves forward, the memory of Jabari Elijah Solomon, Charlie Herbert Solomon Rivera, and Gail Price remains a guiding light. Jabari’s love of soccer inspired a local youth league to dedicate its spring season to him, with players wearing armbands bearing his initials. Charlie’s joyful spirit lives on in a community playground project, where a slide will be named “Charlie’s Zoom” in his honor. Gail’s legacy as a teacher endures through her scholarship and the countless students she inspired, whose tributes fill a memory book at her church.

Adarius Hayes, now recovering physically, faces a long emotional journey. His teammates and coaches have rallied around him, emphasizing his youth and the accident’s unintended nature. The University of Miami, with its storied football program, is providing counseling and support, recognizing Hayes’ potential both on and off the field. Community members, while grieving, have expressed hope that Hayes can honor the victims through his actions, perhaps by advocating for road safety or supporting the families.

The crash at Orangeview Drive and Ridge Road will forever mark Largo’s history, but it has also ignited a resolve to prevent future tragedies. From policy changes to community healing, the city is determined to ensure that Jabari, Charlie, and Gail’s lives are remembered not just in sorrow, but in the actions they inspire. As the sun sets over Largo’s Gulf Coast, casting a golden glow across its streets, the community stands united, carrying the legacy of three souls whose light will never fade.