COLUMBUS – Former Ohio State quarterback Dwayne Haskins was mourned by his teammates, coaches and fans after his death in a traffic accident near Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
This story is developing and will be updated as new information becomes available.
Authorities say Haskins was hit by a dump truck while walking on a highway Saturday morning.
Florida Highway Patrol spokeswoman Lt. Indiana Miranda confirmed the accident but didn’t say why Haskins was on the highway.
He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Reactions of shock and sadness have been expressed by former teammates and others on social media sites.
“Tough to find the words… you will be missed,” tweeted Cincinnati Bengals quarterback and Heisman Trophy winner Joe Burrow, who competed with Haskins for the starting job at Ohio State.
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. -statement from OSU Dept. of Athletics
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. -OSU head coach Ryan Day
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!! –Urban Meyer, OSU head coach (2012-2019) via Twitter
ESPN reports Haskins was training in south Florida with his current Pittsburgh Steelers teammates.
Steelers coach Mike Tomlin posted a statement on Twitter reacting to the news.
Haskins was a Heisman Trophy finalist in 2018 after leading Ohio State to a 12-1 record, the Big Ten Conference championship and an appearance in the Rose Bowl, where the Buckeyes defeated Washington.
During the 2018 season, he set 28 Ohio State records and seven Big Ten Conference records, including single season passing yards (4,831), touchdown passes (50) and total offensive yards (4,939).
The 24-year-old Haskins was a first-round draft choice of Washington in 2019 and started seven games, going 2-5 as a rookie,
He was 1-5 in six starts the next season for the team, then was released on Dec. 29, 2020.
He joined Pittsburgh as a third-string quarterback in January 2021, and last month signed a one-year deal as a restricted free agent.
He was expected to compete for a QB spot with Mason Rudolph and Mitch Trubisky.
Haskins was married to the former Kalabrya Gonderzick, of Benton Harbor, Mich.