Lawsuit alleges negligence in late Ohio State QB Dwayne Haskins’ death

On Apr 10, 2023

Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Dwayne Haskins Jr. (7) throws a pass against Minnesota Golden Gophers in the 2nd quarter of their game at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio on October 13, 2018.

The wife and parents of former Ohio State quarterback Dwayne Haskins Jr. have filed a lawsuit a year after he was struck and killed by a dump truck on a highway in Florida.

The lawsuit, which was filed in Broward County late last month, alleges negligence in the death of Haskins, according to court documents obtained by The Dispatch.

Fourteen defendants are named in the civil suit, including the driver of the truck, the Florida Department of Transportation and the company that provided a rental car to Haskins, among other people and entities, the documents show. The suit is seeking damages worth at least $100,000.

Haskins died on April 9, 2022, when he was hit by the dump truck while attempting to walk across the westbound lanes of Interstate 595 in Broward.

According to 911 calls later released, Kalabrya Haskins said her husband’s car had run out of gas, prompting him to cross the highway in the early morning hours.

A statement released Monday by Rick Ellsley, an attorney who filed the suit on behalf of Haskins’ family, said the fatal accident was avoidable and cited unseen evidence.

“Dwayne was only feet away from making it safely across the roadway when he was struck and killed by an old dump truck,” Ellsley said. “This truck was going faster than the speed limit, carrying excessive cargo, had brake system problems and was traveling on low tread tires with separated sidewalls.”

Ellsley said other vehicles on the interstate had earlier steered clear of Haskins and placed 911 calls.

“There were tail lights, brake lights, and hazard flashers from these cars as well as a bright traffic construction signal board – all of which illuminated Dwayne as the dump truck driver was approaching the area where Dwayne was crossing,” Ellsley added.

Haskins was the Buckeyes’ starting quarterback in 2018, a season that saw him set a number of program records as he threw for 4,831 yards and 50 touchdowns. He was selected as a finalist for the Heisman Trophy, the most prestigious player-of-the-year award in college football.