Memorial Services Planned For Ex-Ohio State Quarterback Dwayne Haskins

COLUMBUS, OH — Multiple services are planned for former Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Dwayne Haskins, who was struck and killed by a truck last weekend while attempting to cross a Florida interstate.

Haskins was killed early Saturday morning when he was hit by a dump truck while he was walking on a South Florida highway. Haskins died at the scene, Florida Highway Patrol spokeswoman Lt. Indiana Miranda said.

“He was attempting to cross the westbound lanes of Interstate 595 when there was oncoming traffic,” Miranda said in an emailed statement to The Associated Press.

Tamara and Dwayne Haskins Sr., the parents of the late 24-year-old quarterback, said in their first statement since the quarterback’s death that they’ve received an “overwhelming outpouring of love for our son since the news broke of our loss.” The statement was first reported by WUSA-TV in Washington, D.C.

“Anyone who knew Dwayne, knows he worked exceptionally hard to achieve such a high level of success at such a young age. He was touched by so many people on his journey to being a standout athlete and we are grateful to all of them. This pain is unimaginable and we appreciate everyone who shares in our heartbreak.”

A memorial service is scheduled from noon to 3 p.m. on April 23 at Christ Church in Rockaway Township, New Jersey, where Haskins was born and raised until his high school years.

A vigil is planned April 24 at 7 p.m. at Haskins’ high school, Bullis School in Potomac, Maryland.

Haskins initially committed to play football at the University of Maryland, but opted to play at Ohio State University instead. In 2018, the team won the Rose Bowl.

During his two seasons at Ohio State, Haskins played in 22 games, and set single-season records for touchdowns passing with 50 and yards passing with 4,831. He was the 2019 Rose Bowl MVP as the Buckeyes went 13-1.

The following year, Haskins became Washington’s first-round pick in the NFL draft at 15th overall. The team released him in 2020, and he signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers as a developmental QB. He didn’t appear in a game last season.

The Florida Highway Patrol continues to investigate Haskins’ death, and officials with the agency say it could be 90 to 120 days before a final report on the incident is issued.

Haskins’ death sparked an outpouring of grief from multiple corners of the NFL, particularly from former teammates with the Steelers and Commanders.

“I am devastated and at a loss for words with the unfortunate passing of Dwayne Haskins,” Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said. “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.”

Washington coach Ron Rivera said he was “absolutely heartbroken” to learn of Haskins’ death.

“Dwayne was a talented young man who had a long life ahead of him,” Rivera said in a release. “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.”

Ohio State posted a photo of Haskins on its Twitter feed, topped by the description “Leader. Legend. Forever a Buckeye.”

Ohio State coach Ryan Day, who was the quarterbacks coach during Haskins’ final season at the school, called Haskins’ death “beyond tragic.”

“For those who knew him closely, he was much more than a great football player,” Day posted on Twitter. “He had a giant heart, old soul and an infectious smile. The Ohio State community and our entire football program are heartbroken.”

Steelers star T.J. Watt tweeted the “world lost a great person.”

“When Dwayne first walked into the locker room I could tell he was an upbeat guy,” Watt said. “He was always making people smile, never taking life for granted.”