Dwayne Haskins Dead At 24, Pittsburgh Steelers Quarterback Struck By Car

Sadly, Dwanye Haskins passed away on the morning of Saturday, April 9. Deadline reported that the 24-year-old quarterback was struck by a vehicle and killed on Saturday morning.

The former Ohio State quarterback was looking for a second chance to play with the Pittsburgh Steelers after a rough start to his career. ESPN reported that he had been training in South Florida when the incident occurred, according to his agent, Cedric Saunders. He was training with other Steelers quarterbacks, running backs, and wide receivers.

ESPN reported that Haskins had been struck and killed by a dump truck while he was walking alongside a South Florida highway. Florida Highway Patrol spokeswoman Lieutenant Indiana Miranda confirmed that the accident happened on westbound Interstate 595 and confirmed that Hawkins was pronounced dead at the scene.

However, it has not been disclosed why Haskins was on the highway on Saturday morning. Miranda told The Associated Press that “he was just walking on the highway and got hit.” The accident caused the highway to be shut down for several hours on Saturday morning.

Haskins had been drafted as number 15 by the Washington Commanders, formerly known as the Redskins, in the 2019 draft. He had started seven games as a rookie, and, after a series of not-so-great games, was later released from his contract before signing with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

“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.”

Steelers coach Mike Tomlin released a statement, saying, “I am devastated and at a loss for words with the unfortunate passing of Dwayne Haskins. 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.”

Steelers co-owners Dan Snyder and Tanya Snyder also released a statement, saying, “We are devastated to hear the news of the tragic passing of Dwayne Haskins Jr. He was a young man with a tremendous amount of potential who had an 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.”

Steelers linebacker TJ Watt called him an “upbeat guy.” In a tribute he posted to Twitter, TJ Watt wrote, “The world lost a great person today. 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.”