Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Dwayne Haskins tragically passed away early Saturday morning after being hit by a car. He was just 24 years old. Law enforcement in Florida released a statement Saturday morning announcing they were investigating a deadly crash in the area where Haskins was tragically hit and killed.
According to the Florida Highway Patrol, Haskins was walking on a limited access facility (Highway/expressway) for unknown reasons. He was attempting to cross the westbound lanes of Interstate 595 when there was oncoming traffic. Unfortunately, he collided with an oncoming dump truck. Mr. Haskins was pronounced dead at the scene, the agency announced Saturday morning. Police say they are in the process of conducting a “Traffic Homicide Investigation.”
Haskins was a star at Ohio State, leading the Buckeyes to a Big Ten championship and Rose Bowl victory in the 2018 season. Dwayne was the 15th overall pick in the 2019 draft to Washington, where he spent two seasons. He joined the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2021.
Haskins was in Boca Raton, Florida training with his Pittsburgh teammates, including Najee Harris, Chase Claypool, and Mitchell Trubisky, and several players posted videos of the workout session. Haskins proposed to Kalabrya Gondrezick, a former Michigan State basketball player, in 2021, and the couple got married several months later.
Steelers head 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.”
The NFL also released a statement, saying, “The NFL family mourns the tragic loss of Dwayne Haskins, and we extend our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones.”
Haskins’ Buckeye teammate, Joe Burrow, shared his condolences on Twitter, saying, “Tough to find the words … you will be missed.” Steelers star pass rusher T.J. Watt also shared memories of his former teammate, saying, “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 forever.”
Ron Rivera, who coached Haskins in Washington, added, “I am absolutely heartbroken to hear the news of the passing of Dwayne Haskins Jr. Dwayne was a talented young man who had a long life ahead of him. 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.”