Pittsburgh Steelers QB Dwayne Haskins has tragically died today in South Florida.
According to reports, the 24-year-old was hit by a dump truck on Interstate 595, where he was trying to cross the highway’s westbound lanes at about 6:40 a.m.
Haskins was unfortunately pronounced deceased at the scene.
“He was just walking on the highway and got hit,” Florida Highway Patrol spokesperson Lt. Indiana Miranda Miranda told The Associated Press.
We are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of Dwayne Haskins.
May he rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/PsDEx9RI5J
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) April 9, 2022
Training Tragedy
Haskins reportedly was training in South Florida with his fellow Steelers teammates. The training group included quarterbacks, running backs, and wide receivers.
Statement from Head Coach Mike Tomlin: pic.twitter.com/hI5QaKzBUq
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) April 9, 2022
“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.”
He loved his family, he loved his teammates, he loved the game and he will be greatly missed. Prayers to the family of Dwayne Haskins.❤️ pic.twitter.com/IoN7nBHga1
— NFLPA (@NFLPA) April 9, 2022
The World Reacts
The NFLPA posted a heartfelt message on Twitter in reaction to news of Haskins passing.
“He loved his family, he loved his teammates, he loved the game and he will be greatly missed. Prayers to the family of Dwayne Haskins.”
Haskins spent three years of his collegiate career at Ohio State, where he solidified himself into the prestigious program’s history books. As a starter in 2018, he earned the Big Ten’s Graham-George Offensive Player of the Year and Griese-Brees Quarterback of the Year awards.
He also earned a selection as a Heisman Trophy finalist.
DMV Legend
Haskins, who in high school played for Bullis School in Potomac, Maryland, was selected 15th overall by the local Washington Commanders in the 2019 draft.
Dan Snyder, the owner of the Washington Commanders, made the pick partially because his son attended Bullis with Haskins.
“We are devastated to hear the news of the tragic passing of Dwayne Haskins Jr.,” Daniel and Tanya Snyder said in a reported 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.”
Local Hero
While on the Commanders, Haskins started in seven games during his rookie year. He only started the first four games in the following season and eventually was benched.
Statement from head coach Ron Rivera pic.twitter.com/tVBLva7Dsd
— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) April 9, 2022
“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.”
Forever Missed
Washington released Haskins during the late 2020-21 season. However, he eventually signed with Pittsburgh in January 2021.
“The world lost a great person today,” Steelers linebacker TJ Watt posted on Twitter. “When Dwayne first walked into the locker room, I could tell he was an upbeat guy. He was always making people smile, never taking life for granted. His impact on me will last a forever.”
