By Terrance Turner
April 9, 2022
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Dwayne Haskins died this morning after being struck by a dump truck while walking on a South Florida highway. He was 24.
Florida Highway spokesperson Lt. Indiana Miranda confirmed the incident. “He was just walking on the highway and got hit,” Miranda told the Associated Press. Around 6:30 am, Haskins was walking on the I-595 in Broward County “for unknown reasons,” Miranda told NPR, and was hit by the truck as he tried to cross westbound lanes. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Haskins had a standout season with Ohio State in 2018, leading the team to a 13-1 record and a Rose Bowl victory against the University of Washington. He completed 70% of his passes that season, throwing for 4,831 yards and 50 touchdowns — both Big Ten records. ESPN lauded Haskins for “delivering perhaps the greatest passing season in program history. He set Big Ten single-season records for passing yards (4,831), touchdown passes (50) and total offensive yards (4,939), in addition to a total of 28 school records.”
Haskins was a first-round pick for the Washington Commanders in 2019 (selected No. 15 overall.) But he struggled in his first two NFL seasons, winning just three out of 13 games he started while throwing 12 touchdowns and 14 interceptions. The Commanders released him before the end of the 2020 season.
The Steelers signed Haskins in January 2021 as a backup, but he did not play that season, per the Times. He was re-signed in March as a restricted free agent and was expected to compete with quarterbacks Mason Rudolph and Mitchell Trubisky for the starting job. He was in South Florida training with Steelers quarterbacks, wide receivers and running backs, according to ESPN.
“I am devastated and at a loss for words with 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.”
“We are devastated to hear the news of the tragic passing of Dwayne Haskins Jr.,” Commanders owners Daniel and Tanya Snyder said in a statement. “He was a young man with a tremendous amount of potential who had 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.”
“Dwayne was a talented young man who had a long life ahead of him,” Commanders coach Ron Rivera said in a statement. “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.”
Save as PDF