(Photo by Nick Carnett/Getty Images)
Steelers quarterback Dwayne Haskins was killed early Saturday morning after he was struck by a dump truck while he was walking on Interstate 595 in South Florida. Haskins was 24 years old. According to Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Haskins was headed to the Fort Lauderdale airport to return to Pittsburgh when the accident occurred.
Haskins was in Florida training with several Steelers skill players and Mitch Trubisky. Florida Highway Patrol spokesperson Lt. Indiana Miranda said Haskins was pronounced dead at the scene. At this time, it's unclear why he was walking on the highway.
Mike Tomlin released a statement this morning about the tragic passing of Haskins.
"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.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Kalabrya, and his entire family during this difficult time."
Following the news of Haskins' death -- teammates, players, coaches and media from around the league expressed their sorrow on social media about the accident.
Chase Claypool and Trubisky, who were down in Florida with Haskins, released statements on Saturday night.
"I spent your final moments with you and I can’t help but think about how selfless you were in those moments,"Claypool tweeted. "All you cared about was making sure that everyone around you was okay and I can’t thank you enough for that. You are what I strive to be."
Claypool also posted an emotional video of when he received the news that Haskins passed.
"A moment of vulnerability. The moment I realized I had lost a brother," Claypool said. "We are placed on this undesirable pedestal and become treated as if we are anything but human, but It’s okay to not be okay. Allow me to be the example. Love you, 3."
In his short time of knowing Haskins, Trubisky said he made a profound impact on him. Haskins was reportedly at the team facility almost every day this offseason and was the first to greet Mitch Trubisky when he signed.
"I am absolutely heartbroken," Trubisky said. "Dwayne has made such an impact on me in a short period of time. He welcomed me to his team with his big heart and infectious smile. I am so thankful to have known Dwayne. All my love and prayers are with his family."
Ben Roethlisberger also released a statement on social media about Haskins' passing.
“I only had the privilege to know D-Hask for a short time, but in that time I got to meet a young man that didn’t seem to ever have a bad day,” Roethlisberger said. “He came to work everyday with a smile on his face and energy and love in his heart. I really enjoyed his passion and love for the game and wanting to learn and be the best. His smile and zeal for life will be missed! Wish we had more time together on this earth, but I will cherish the time and the laughs we had! I’ll say it again just like I told you to your face, I still wish I could throw the ball like you!! Love ya pal.”
"To his wife Kalabrya, we want you to know we are praying for you and with you. We don’t understand why God does what he does but we have to trust and believe in his plan. You are an amazing woman of faith and we trust you will get through this.”
Below is a thread of posts on social media from teammates, players, coaches and media from around the league on the tragic passing of Dwayne Haskins.