Former Chamberlain Basketball Player Killed in Motorcycle Accident

Posted Jun 30, 2008 by Bill Ward

Updated Jun 30, 2008 at 02:59 PM

Former Chamberlain High basketball player Arius Fayson was killed late Saturday night after he crashed his motorcycle into the back of an SUV on Interstate 75.

The 26-year-old Fayson, the older brother of former Hillsborough quarterback Jarred Fayson, was traveling at a high rate of speed on I-75 north of Fletcher Ave. when he slammed his 2007 Honda motorcycle into the back of the SUV. The impact flung the elder Fayson and the motorcycle into the rear window of the SUV, forcing rescue workers to cut into the wreckage to free him and the bike, Florida Highway patrol troopers said. The driver and passenger of the SUV were not injured.

Upon receiving the news of his brother Sunday morning, Fayson flew home from the University of Illinois, where he is sitting out this coming season following his transfer from the University of Florida.

“He always used to say life was good,” Jarred Fayson said. “He was a real positive, upbeat, likable person. He’d always brighten up your day when he came around.”

Jarred Fayson said his brother was a co-owner of a pizza store and had recently begun a car detailing business.

Arius Fayson’s coach, Doug Aplin, said he remembers the district title his former player helped the Chiefs win.

“It was the ‘99 district finals against Gaither and he hit two free throws with just a few seconds left in overtime to win it for us by two points,” Aplin said. “He may not have been the athlete his [little] brother was as far as speed but he had a knack for knowing how to play the game.”

Funeral services will be held Saturday at 2 p.m. at Buelah Baptist Institutional Church in Tampa.