Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Dwayne Haskins died early Saturday morning after being hit by an automobile.
According to ESPN, Haskins “was struck by a dump truck while he was walking on a South Florida highway.” He was reportedly pronounced dead at the scene, as the accident resulted in Interstate 595 being shut down for several hours.
“He was just walking on the highway and got hit,” said Lt. Indiana Miranda, a spokesperson with the Florida Highway Patrol, per The Associated Press.
The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported, “Haskins, 24, was in Florida training with other Steelers teammates, including quarterbacks and wide receivers. According to a team source, he was apparently headed to the airport to return to Pittsburgh when the accident occurred.”
“I am devastated and at a loss for words with the unfortunate passing of Dwayne Haskins,” Steelers head 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.”
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
Haskins attended Ohio State University and was the second runner-up for the 2018 Heisman Trophy. He was the 15th overall pick in the 2019 NFL draft, chosen by the Washington Redskins, which has since changed its name to the Washington Commanders. He spent two seasons in Washington before being released by the team in 2020. Haskins signed with the Steelers and backed up two-time Super Bowl champion Ben Roethlisberger last season. Roethlisberger announced his retirement in January, and Haskins was expected to compete for the starting QB position this year.
“The world lost a great person today,” tweeted Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt. “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…forever.”
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.
— TJ Watt (@_TJWatt) April 9, 2022
In a statement released Saturday morning, Commanders head coach Ron Rivera said he was “absolutely heartbroken to hear the news,” describing Haskins as “a talented young man who had a long life ahead of him.”
“I know I speak for the rest of our team in saying he will be sorely missed,” said Rivera. “Our entire team is sending our heartfelt condolences and thoughts and prayers to the Haskins family at this time.”
Dan and Tanya Snyder, co-owners of the Washington Commanders, issued a joint statement describing Haskins as “a young man with a tremendous amount of potential who had an infectious personality.”
Urban Meyer, who coached Haskins in college, called him “one of the greatest QB’s in Ohio State history, but an even better son, teammate, and friend.”