(Photo by Joe Sargent/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."
The Washington Commanders and Ron Rivera also released a statement. Haskins was the 15th overall pick by the Commanders in 2019 and played two seasons in Washington before signing with the Steelers last year.
"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."
After beating out Joe Burrow to become the starting quarterback at Ohio State in 2018, Haskins 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.The record-setting year led to Haskins being named a Heisman Trophy finalist and a third-team AP All-American.
Haskins' dream of becoming a Buckeye since he was a kid came to fruition. An old video of an 11-year-old Haskins saying, “I’m going to college here” was posted on Saturday. His legacy and impact will be felt forever.
Ryan Day and Urban Meyer released statements this morning.
"The loss of Dwayne is beyond tragic and extremely difficult to process," current Ohio State coach Ryan Day, who was Haskins' position coach as well as the Buckeyes' acting head coach in 2018, posted to Twitter. "For those who knew him closely, he was much more than a great football player. He had a giant heart, old soul and an infectious smile. The Ohio State community and our entire football program are heartbroken."
"Heartbroken to hear of the loss of Dwayne Haskins Jr.," Meyer tweeted Saturday. "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!!"
Teammates, players, coaches and media from around the league expressed their sorrow on social media about the tragic accident.