Sandy MaloneWest Palm Beach, FL – Ohio State Buckeyes legend and Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Dwayne Haskins was run over and killed by a dump truck early on Saturday morning.
The Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) said the incident occurred at about 6:30 a.m. on April 9 when the 24-year-old Haskins was trying to cross a highway on foot in Broward County, NBC News reported.
FHP Lieutenant Indiana Miranda said in an email that the National Football League (NFL) player was walking on “a limited access facility for unknown reasons” and tried to cross the westbound lanes of Interstate 595 while traffic was coming.
Lt. Miranda said Haskins collided with an oncoming dump truck and was killed, NBC News reported.
Dwayne Haskins, a standout at Ohio State before becoming Washington’s first-round pick and playing in Pittsburgh, died this morning when he got hit by a car in South Florida, per his agent Cedric Saunders. Haskins would have turned 25 years old on May 3.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 9, 2022
The former Buckeye, who stepped in and led Ohio State to victory in the Rose Bowl in 2018 after senior starter J.T. Barret was injured, was pronounced dead at the scene.
Haskins was the starting quarterback for former Head Coach Urban Meyer’s last game at the powerhouse Big Ten school.
Heartbroken to hear of the loss of Dwayne Haskins Jr. My thoughts and prayers go out to his incredible family. One of the greatest QB’s in Ohio State history, but an even better son, teammate, and friend. God Bless!! pic.twitter.com/lM9Z8LzMhe
— Urban Meyer (@CoachUrbanMeyer) April 9, 2022
Lt. Miranda said there was an ongoing traffic homicide investigation into Haskins’ death, NBC News reported.
Details about what led up to Haskins death and why he was on an interstate so early in the morning have not yet been released.
Haskins was selected 15th in the 2019 NFL draft by what was then still the Washington Redskins, WRC reported.
He was a Heisman Trophy finalist in 2018.
Haskins spent two seasons with Washington and played in 16 NFL games before repeatedly disciplinary actions got him booted off the team.
Statement from co-owners Dan and Tanya Snyder pic.twitter.com/6Dn0z3RbeQ
— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) April 9, 2022
He joined the Pittsburgh Steelers as a backup quarterback in 2021 but had not yet seen any playing time with that franchise, according to The Lantern.
Pittsburgh Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin released a statement after the quarterback’s death was announced, NBC News reported.
“I am devastated and at a loss for words with the unfortunate passing of Dwayne Haskins,” Tomlin said. “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,” the coach said. “Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Kalabrya, and his entire family during this difficult time.”
Tragic news this morning. Rest in peace, Dwayne Haskins. pic.twitter.com/fHp7bbkK2M
— Eleven Warriors (@11W) April 9, 2022
SteelersWire reported on Friday that the Pittsburgh Steelers had just met with Haskins’ little brother, University of Michigan running back Hassan Haskins, ahead of the NFL draft.
Holly Matkin