Steelers quarterback Haskins, struck, killed by dump truck
Dwayne Haskins, 24, who had just re-signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers last month after serving as a reserve last season, was struck and killed by a dump truck early Saturday morning while crossing a South Florida highway.
In an emailed statement to ESPN, Florida Highway Patrol spokesperson Lt. Indiana Miranda said that Haskins “was attempting to cross the westbound lanes of Interstate 595 when there was oncoming traffic.” Haskins was pronounced dead at the scene. According to the Florida Highway Patrol, he had been “walking on the highway for unknown reasons,” and the case is “an open traffic homicide investigation.”
Haskins was signed by the Steelers in the 2021 offseason after finishing third in the Heisman Trophy race in 2018 while playing for Ohio State and subsequently being drafted in the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft (the No. 15 pick overall) by the Washington Commanders. In March of 2022, a one-year restricted free agent tender, he hoped to become a starter in the NFL.
Haskins had traveled to South Florida with other Steelers quarterbacks, running backs, and wide receivers to train.
Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said in a statement, “[Dwayne Haskins] 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.”
Daniel and Tanya Snyder, the owners of the Washington Commanders, said Haskins had “a tremendous amount of potential who had an infectious personality. To say we are heartbroken is an understatement. Our hearts and prayers are with the members of Dwayne's family and all of those who knew him and loved him.”
Commanders coach Ron Rivera expressed, “Dwayne was a talented young man who had a long life ahead of him. This is a very sad time and I am honestly at a loss for words. I know I speak for the rest of our team in saying he will be sorely missed. Our entire team is sending our heartfelt condolences and thoughts and prayers to the Haskins family at this time.”
The Steelers tweeted, “We are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of Dwayne Haskins. May he rest in peace.” The NFL tweeted, “the NFL family mourns the tragic loss of Dwayne Haskins and we extend our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones.”
Haskins would have turned 25 next month.