FORT LAUDERDALE, Florida (WCMH) — Former Ohio State quarterback Dwayne Haskins, 24, has died after being hit by a dump truck Saturday morning while walking on a highway in South Florida.
Florida Highway Patrol spokeswoman Lt. Indiana Miranda confirmed the accident on westbound Interstate 595. Haskins was pronounced dead at the scene.
A report from Florida Highway Patrol says that the crash occurred around 6:37 a.m. on Saturday.
Miranda didn’t say why the 24-year-old Haskins was on the highway at the time. The accident caused the highway to be shut down for several hours.
“He was just walking on the highway and got hit,” Miranda told The Associated Press.
Haskins was born on May 3, 1997, in Highland Park, New Jersey. He moved to Maryland where he played high school football at Bullis School before committing to Ohio State.
As a Buckeye, Haskins played for two seasons setting numerous passing records in the Scarlet & Gray. In 2018, he finished third in the Heisman voting, won the Big Ten quarterback of the year award, and the 2019 Rose Bowl MVP.
Haskins decided to enter the NFL Draft in 2019 and forgo his final two years at Ohio State. He was drafted by the Washington Commanders (then the Redskins) with the 15th overall pick before going to the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2021.
Haskins death shocked the Ohio State and NFL community as reactions, tributes, and condolences poured in on social media from his former teammates, coaches, and other athletes.
Ohio State Department of Athletics
“The Ohio State Department of Athletics is terribly saddened to learn of the death of Dwayne Haskins Saturday morning. 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.”
Ohio State AD Gene Smith
“Shocked and saddened by the devastating news about Dwayne. He was a legend on the field and truly a tremendous human being. Prayers to the Haskins’ family.”
C.J. Stroud, Ohio State quarterback
“Hurt, lost for words.”
Kyle McCord, Ohio State quarterback
“A big brother to me… RIP Dwayne.”
Ryan Day, Ohio State head coach
“The loss of Dwayne is beyond tragic and extremely difficult to process. For those who knew him closely, he was much more than a great football player. He had a giant heart, old soul and an infectious smile. The Ohio State community and our entire football program are heartbroken.”
Mike Tomlin, Pittsburgh Steelers head coach
“I am devastated and at a loss of 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.”
Joe Burrow, Cincinnati Bengals quarterback
“Tough to find the words… you will be missed.”
Chris Olave, former Ohio State wide receiver
“Man… RIP 7.”
Ohio State Basketball
“#RIPSimba”
Jordan Fuller, Los Angeles Rams safety
“One of my college roommates.. we played in the same 8th grade all star game… we talked about a reunion trip during one of theses off-seasons, it felt like we had time.”
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!!”
T.J. Watt, Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end
“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.”
–The Associated Press contributed to this report–
