Dwayne Haskins, QB NFL, who died in South Florida, coaches, teammates called “selfless” – Reading Eagle

There are still questions about the death of NFL star Dwayne Haskins, who was shot down by a dump truck and killed One thing is clear on Saturday on I-595 near Fort Lauderdale Airport: a broken young life is a profound loss.

Haskins, a 24-year-old Pittsburgh Steelers defender, is remembered by teammates and coaches as a “selfless” man who “always had a smile on his face.”

He would have turned 25 on May 3.

A man who said he was driving down I-595 that morning after dropping his daughter off at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood Airport. NBC6 Miami that “he immediately called the 911 service” to report a man who was walking alone along the western lanes of the highway. Chris Stanley said he believes the man he saw could be Haskins.

Stanley told NBC6 he called 911 at 6:31 a.m., just six minutes before the crash killed Haskins.

“I have not seen any vehicle nearby [that may have belonged to the man]Said Stanley. “I was more concerned about him because he was already making his way onto the road system. He was about halfway, a quarter of the way in the right lane, already on the highway, and I was already worried that someone would hit him right away at that moment. “

Stanley told NBC6 he “saw the man’s hands raised a little up” when the man started moving into the lanes. Stanley said he told 911 that “this man will have a serious accident if no one gets to him,” NBC6 reported.

According to a statement from the Florida Highway Patrol released Saturday, Haskins was walking on the highway “for unknown reasons” and was trying to cross the western lane of Interstate 595 when there was oncoming traffic. Unfortunately, he collided with an oncoming dump truck. “

Haskins died at the scene.

On Sunday, the agency declined to answer additional questions, citing an ongoing investigation.

Extensive Steelers receiver Chase Claypool, who trained with Haskins in South Florida, shared an emotional tweet after Haskins ’death.

“I spent the last moments with you, and I can’t help but think about how selfless you were in those moments,” Claypool said. “You only took care of everything around you, and I can’t thank you for that. You’re who I want to be. “

Claypool, full of emotions, later posted on Twitter a video in which he is in tears.

Haskins worked in South Florida with fellow Steelers before the upcoming NFL season.

Haskin’s agent could not be reached for comment on Sunday, but the company representing him, Goal Line Football, of Miami, issued a statement mourning Saturday’s loss:

“We mourn the tragic loss of our GL family member Dwayne Haskins. No words to describe this grief. Our prayers and condolences to his family and the Steelers family. Rest in Dwayne’s power. “

His agent Cedric Saunders told ESPN that Haskins trained with other teammates.

Haskins appeared to be in South Florida this week with fellow quarterback Mitch Trubyski, backing Naji Harris and tight end Pat Freyermouth, according to the Associated Press.

“I am devastated and unable to speak due to the unfortunate death of Dwayne Haskins,” Pittsburgh head coach Mike Tomlin said in a statement. “He quickly became part of our Steelers family upon arrival in Pittsburgh and was one of our most hard-working workers both in the field and in our community. Dwayne was a great teammate, but an even bigger friend to many. I really have a broken heart.

He spent last season as a backup for the Steelers and in March signed a limited contract with the team for a period of one year.

Steelers quarterback Ben Rotlisberger, who retired in January after 18 years on the team, spent his last season in the locker room with Haskins and said Haskins made an instant impact even though they spent together.

“I had the privilege of knowing him only for a short time, but during this time I met a young man who never seemed to have a bad day,” – Rotlisberger the statement said. He came to work every day with a smile on his face and energy and love in his heart. “

“I really liked his passion and love for the game, as well as his desire to learn and be the best. His smiles and zeal for life will be lacking! ”

Prior to the NFL, Haskins starred in Ohio, marked by a stellar season in which he made 50 touchdowns and led the Parties to a 13-1 season. Former Ohio coach Urban Meyer said on Twitter that he had a “broken heart” when he heard about Haskins’ death.

“One of the greatest QBs in Ohio history, but an even better son, teammate and friend. God bless !! ”

The Florida Road Patrol described the case as an “open investigation into road homicides” and said more information would not be released until it was completed. Investigating road homicides could take months.

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