The Florida Highway Patrol said Haskins was trying to cross the western lanes of Interstate 595 near Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport in Broward County when he was hit by a dump truck. The patrol said the accident was reported shortly after 6:30.
he was “Passing on (the highway) for unknown reasons,” the patrol said in a press release.
News of Haskins’ death sparked shocking statements from across the league and beyond.
“I am shocked and bewildered by the passing of Dwayne Haskins,” Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said in a statement released by the team.
“He quickly became part of the Steelers family upon his arrival in Pittsburgh and was one of our most dedicated workers, both on the field and in our community,” Tomlin said in a statement. “Dwayne was a great teammate, but even more so he was a great friend to so many. I’m really sad.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife Calabria and all his family during this difficult time.”
“I feel like I can be a key player in this league”
Haskins rose to prominence at Ohio State, setting OSU and Big Ten Conference records as a sophomore Redshirt in 2018, including one-season passing yards (4831), touchdown passes (50) and total offensive yards (4,939) .
“He came to work every day with a smile on his face and energy and love in his heart. I really enjoyed his passion, his love of the game and his desire to learn and be the best. You will miss his smile and his enthusiasm for life!,” said Roethlisberger. “I’ll say it again like I told you to your face, I still wish I could throw the ball like you,” he added.
“so sad”
The leaders of Washington, Ohio, and their colleagues expressed shock and condolences.
“His smile was infectious and he was a man you wanted to be around,” Heyward wrote. “We are all shocked to lose him. We will miss you too. We lost you so early. Luckily I had a chance to get to know you. RIP DH.”
Haskins’ second coach in Washington, Ron Rivera, said Saturday that he was “extremely sad” to hear of the death of his former player.
“Dwayne’s loss is beyond tragic and extremely difficult to remedy. To those who knew him intimately, he was more than just a great footballer. He had a huge heart, an old soul and an infectious smile,” Day wrote on Twitter.
The Ohio State Department of Athletics released a statement saying it was “deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Dwayne Haskins on Saturday morning.”
“Our thoughts are with the entire Haskins family during this difficult time. Our thoughts are with the family and with his current and former teammates, coaches, friends and relatives,” the statement read.
