Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Dwayne Haskins was killed Saturday when he was hit by a dump truck while he was walking on a South Florida highway.
Florida Highway Patrol spokeswoman Lt. Indiana Miranda confirmed the accident on westbound Interstate 595. Haskins was pronounced dead at the scene.
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
Miranda didn’t say why the 24-year-old Haskins was on the highway at the time. The accident caused the highway to be shut down for several hours.
“He was just walking on the highway and got hit,” Miranda told The Associated Press.
Haskins’ death sparked an outpouring of grief from multiple corners of the NFL, particularly with his former teammates with the Pittsburgh Steelers and Washington Commanders.
The NFL family mourns the tragic loss of Dwayne Haskins and we extend our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones. pic.twitter.com/Ilf1LGzrPr
— NFL (@NFL) April 9, 2022
“I am devastated and at a loss for words with the unfortunate passing of Dwayne Haskins,” Steelers coach Mike 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.
Dwayne Haskins, the quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers, has died after being struck by a vehicle at age 24.
The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating a fatal accident on westbound Interstate 595. According to Lt. Indiana Miranda, the incident happened on westbound Interstate 595. Haskins died at the scene of the collision.
Miranda offered no information regarding Haskins’ presence on the highway at that time. The collision necessitated the closure of the road for hours.
“He was just walking on the highway and got hit,” said Lt. Indiana Miranda.
The death of Haskins prompted a reaction from many corners of the NFL, particularly his previous teammates with the Pittsburgh Steelers and Washington Commanders.
“I am devastated and at a loss for words with the unfortunate passing of Dwayne Haskins,” Steelers coach Mike Tomlin stated. “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.”
Ohio State’s Nick Haskins was picked by the Washington Wizards in the first round of the 2019 draft. He started seven games as a rookie, going 2-5. After six starts in 2017, he was released and went 1-5 for the team.
Leader. Legend. Forever a Buckeye. pic.twitter.com/yxwaIewN9V
— Ohio State Football (@OhioStateFB) April 9, 2022
Ron Rivera, the head coach of the Washington Redskins, was “absolutely heartbroken” to hear about Haskins’ passing.
“Dwayne was a talented young man who had a long life ahead of him,” Rivera stated in a release. “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.”
In January 2021, the Steelers signed Haskins after he was let go by the Redskins a month earlier. Haskins said he was humbled by the choice and promised to work hard and learn as much as possible from Ben Roethlisberger and Mason Rudolph. He was on the roster as a third-stringer but only suited up once, serving as the backup in a tie with Detroit after Ben Roethlisberger was placed into the COVID-19 protocol that night.
“The world lost a great person today,” Steelers player T.J. Watt said 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.”
In March, the Steelers re-signed Haskins to a one-year deal as a restricted free agent, with head coach Mike Tomlin and general manager Kevin Colbert complimenting his development since joining the team. He was expected to compete for a role against incumbent starter Sam Bradford and 2016 first-round pick Mitch Trubisky.
“Dwayne meant so much to so many people,” said Steelers defensive lineman Cameron Heyward on Twitter. “His smile was infectious and he was a guy you wanted to be around. We are all in shock about losing him. We are going to miss the heck out of him as well. We lost you way too early. Luckily I got a chance to get to know you. RIP DH.”
Haskins was seen in South Florida this week, along with several teammates including quarterback Mitch Trubisky, running back Najee Harris, and tight end Pat Freiermuth.
“Devastated,” Rudolph posted on Twitter.