Meyer comments on death of player

University of Florida walk-on football player Michael Guilford was killed early Friday morning in a motorcycle crash at Old Archer Road and SW 23rd Terrace, Gainesville Police reported.

Also killed in the accident was UF student Ashley E. Slonina.

Guilford, 19, and Slonina, 20, had been riding on a 1998 silver Kawasaki when they hit a median at SW 23rd Terrace and Old Archer Road. The two were ejected and suffered fatal injuries.

Officers estimated the motorcycle the two were riding on was traveling at 55 to 65 mph, according to preliminary police reports. The posted speed limit at the roadway is 35 mph.

Guilford was a redshirt freshman defensive back from Quincy who attended Blountstown High School.

“We are deeply saddened to learn of the tragic passing of Michael Guilford," UF football coach Urban Meyer said in a statement on Friday. "He was an outstanding, quality young man that was loved, respected and admired by all of us. His unselfish efforts on helping his teammates getting ready to play every week were only a glimpse of the person he was.

"We pray that God's blessing be with Michael’s family, friends and teammates during this sad and difficult time," Meyer continued. "Our condolences and blessings also go to the family and friends of Ashley Slonina, who also passed away in this sad and tragic accident.”

Junior tight end Cornelius Ingram said Guilford's death was a real blow to the players. “He was one of the most popular walk-ons on the team,” he said by phone Friday.

Guilford, whose nickname was "Sunshine," was named the Gators' scout team player of the week earlier this season for his effort in practice before the Ole Miss game. He also played the role of Ohio State quarterback Troy Smith during UF's preparation for the national championship game in January.

The Gators have a bye week this week, and there is no curfew for the players.

Slonina was a junior at UF, said university spokesman Steve Orlando. She was from Lynn Haven.

Relatives said Slonina was a honor graduate from Mosley High School in Lynn Haven. She had received a volleyball scholarship to Gulf Coast Community College in Panama City, where she attended school for two years before coming to UF. She was studying political science and English and wanted to pursue real estate law. “She was a wonderful, wonderful girl. I just still can't believe it happened,” her grandmother Marjorie Slonina said. The student's aunt Susan Solina said, “It's just hard to put into words. She had literally a whole community of friends.”

Guilford, who was driving, and Slonina were not wearing helmets or eye protection, GPD spokesman Lt. Keith Kameg said.

Officers are awaiting autopsy reports on the crash, Kameg said, and were investigating a report that the pair had been at a "gathering" at Oxford Manor, 2777 SW Archer Road, prior to the crash.

It will take a week to two weeks before police receive autopsy information in the investigation, he said.

Orlando said crisis counselors at the University were meeting with students who knew Guilford and Slonina.

Based on information about the students whereabouts before the crash, Kameg said officers were looking into whether alcohol was a factor in the wreck.