Former Washington first-round pick and Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Dwayne Haskins Jr. died in South Florida early Saturday morning, according to the Steelers.
According to the Florida Highway Patrol, Haskins was struck by a dump truck and pronounced dead at the scene of the accident after the NFL player “was attempting to cross the westbound lanes of Interstate 595 when there was oncoming traffic.” Law enforcement authorities said the incident is an open traffic homicide investigation.
Dwayne Haskins passes away at the age of 24
Haskins was a record-setting quarterback at Ohio State, passing for 50 touchdowns in 2018. He was a former No. 15 overall pick, drafted by the Washington Football Team in the 2019 NFL draft.
The former Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year played in nine games his rookie season, throwing 7 touchdowns and 7 interceptions. He passed for 5 touchdowns in his second NFL campaign. In January 2021, he signed with the Steelers.
Haskins had been training in South Florida with other Steelers players, including running back Najee Harris, quarterback Mitchell Trubisky and tight end Pat Freiermuth. He had recently posted a light-hearted video with Harris. His final post was a motivational quote: “It is what it is will keep you at peace.”
In a statement, Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin expressed his emotions.
“I am devastated and at a loss for words with the unfortunate passing of Dwayne Haskins,” Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said in a statement released by the team. “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 official football program released a statement shortly following the news, saying, “Leader. Legend. Forever a Buckeye.”
“We mourn the tragic loss of our GL family member Dwayne Haskins,” Goal Line Sports, Haskins’ sports agency, said in a statement. “There are no words to define this grief. Our prayers and condolences go out to his family and the Steelers family. Rest in power, Dwayne.”
Others around the NFL and CFB offer their condolences
Others around the NFL and college football reacted to the news of Dwayne Haskins’ passing and offered their condolences, including the likes of Urban Meyer, Kevin O’Connell, Ron Rivera, and Steelers teammates.
Urban Meyer, former Ohio State head coach
Heartbroken to hear of the loss of Dwayne Haskins Jr. My thoughts and prayers go out to his incredible family. One of the greatest QB’s in Ohio State history, but an even better son, teammate, and friend. God Bless!!
Brian Hartline, Ohio State WR coach
I love you 7 
#Godspeed
Ohio State Athletics Department
The Dept. of Athletics is terribly saddened to learn of the death of Dwayne Haskins. We are thinking of the entire Haskins family during this most difficult time. Our prayers are with the family, and with his current and former teammates, coaches, friends and relatives.
Kevin O’Connell, Vikings head coach and former Washington offensive coordinator
Struggling to find the words to express how crushing this news is today. Dwayne had such a positive energetic outlook on life and always treated people with genuine kindness. So Talented and with so much positive ahead in his life. Thoughts and Prayers to the Haskins Family.
Alex Highsmith, Steelers outside linebacker
Doesn’t seem real. Those who knew him knew how special he was. Heartbreaking, RIP Dwayne. Lord be with his family.
Cam Heyward, Steelers defensive end
Dwayne meant so much to so many people. 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
J.J. Watt, Arizona Cardinals defensive end
Horrific news, so terribly sad. Rest In Peace Dwayne.
Kyler Murray, Arizona Cardinals QB
RIP Dwayne Haskins.. heartbreaking… Prayers to his family & loved ones. Love yours while they’re here!
Miami Dolphins organization
We are saddened by the tragic passing of Dwayne Haskins and our thoughts and prayers are with his family, teammates, the Steelers organization and all who mourn his loss.
Jordan Poyer, Buffalo Bills safety
Praying for the Haskins family Dang man. RIP 
Michael Thomas, New Orleans Saints and former Ohio State WR
I’m speechless.
Daniel and Tanya Snyder, Washington Commanders co-owners
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 those who knew him and loved him.
Jason Wright, Washington Commanders president
Dwayne was a young man of great intellect who cared deeply about his loved ones & the world. Praying for his wife, parents, & all who knew him as we grieve the loss of the man & the impact he was poised to have on society with his unique gifts. May grace cover the sting of death.
Ron Rivera, Washington Commanders head coach
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.