The former Ohio State University star and finalist in the Heisman Cup Finals was just 24 years old.
So far, authorities have released few details about the circumstances of his death. Here’s what we know and don’t know about the fatal accident, his short-lived career and how those who knew him reacted.
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. The patrol said in a press statement that he was “walking on (the highway) for unknown reasons.”
No other details were available about what led to the accident.
In recent days, Haskins has been in South Florida training with some of his Steelers teammates, as depicted on Haskins’ Instagram Stories and Nagy Harris back.
His football career is short-lived
Haskins, a backup for the Steelers last season, was about to enter his fourth year in the NFL.
Family memorial services
The Haskins family will hold multiple services next weekend to honor him, with a memorial service taking place in Rockaway Township, New Jersey where Haskins was born and raised until high school on April 23.
The following day, a vigil will be held at the high school that Haskins attended in Potomac, Maryland.
The family chose to have multiple services “in order to share their son’s memory with family, coaches, colleagues and childhood friends”.
“We’ve had such an overwhelming outpouring of love for our son since the news of our loss broke,” said Tamara and Dwayne Haskins, Sr., Haskins’ parents, in a statement Tuesday.
“Anyone who knows Dwayne, knows that he has worked exceptionally hard to achieve such a high level of success at such a young age. He has been touched by so many people on his journey to being an outstanding athlete and we are grateful to all of them. Such pain is unimaginable and we appreciate both He shares our heartbreak.”
How his teammates and coaches remember him
His teammates and coaches who knew Haskins offered their condolences and commemorated his passing.
Ohio State coach Ryan Day said team members were hurt on Monday and announced that they would honor Haskins in their spring game on Saturday.
He said, “When you think of Dwayne, you only think of the empathy he had, and certainly all of his teammates and friends. He always took time out after a workout to be around family members, and the kids.” “He meant so much to my family and he meant so much to this programme, and he will be sorely missed.
He added, “It’s very close to Saturday morning right now. It’s still kind of hard to put our feet under and see clearly now. We’re all in pain.”
“His smile was infectious and he was a man you wanted to be around,” Heyward wrote. “We are all so 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’ coach, Ron Rivera, said Saturday that he is “extremely sad” to hear of the death of his former player.
“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.
“Alcohol enthusiast. Twitter ninja. Tv lover. Falls down a lot. Hipster-friendly coffee geek.”