Details have emerged surrounding the tragic death of Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Dwayne Haskins.
According to the South Florida Highway Patrol (h/t Nicki Jhabvala), Haskins was walking and attempting to cross the westbound lanes of I-595 when he was struck and killed by a dump truck early Saturday morning. The accident was reported around 6:37 AM EST. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
A traffic homicide investigation is ongoing.
Haskins died at the age of 24. He would have turned 25 on May 3.
Florida Highway Patrol spokeswoman Lt. Indiana Miranda told the Associated Press Haskins “was just walking on the highway and got hit.”
Miranda didn’t disclose why Haskins was on the highway at that time.
Dwayne Haskins was in South Florida working out with other Steelers quarterbacks, running backs and wide receivers.
Haskins starred at Ohio State, throwing 50 touchdowns and eight interceptions in 2018 to lead the Buckeyes to a Rose Bowl title. He declared for the 2019 NFL draft. The Washington Commanders franchise selected him 15th overall in the first round.
He spent two up and down seasons in Washington under three different head coaches and two offensive coordinators. Washington released him in December 2020 after struggles on the field.
Haskins signed a reserve/futures deal with the Steelers in January 2021. He served primarily as the third string quarterback for the 2021 season. In March he re-signed with Pittsburgh on a one-year deal.
“I am devastated and at a loss for words wit the unfortunate passing of Dwayne Haskins,” Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said in a statement. “He quickly became part of our Steelers family upon his arrival in Pittsburgh and was one of our hardest workers, both on the field and in our community. Dwayne was a great teammate, but even more so a tremendous friend to so many. I am truly heartbroken.”
“Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Kalabrya, and his entire family during this difficult time.”
Many players, teammates, and coaches from Ohio State, Washington, Pittsburgh and the NFL world have poured out with tributes and acknowledgments following Haskins’ death. Among the tributes were Commanders owners Dan and Tanya Snyder, Commanders head coach Ron Rivera and Haskins’ college head coach at Ohio State Urban Meyer.
