A policewoman told the UPI on Tuesday, two days after the Miami Highway accident, that the Florida Highway Patrol has launched what could amount to a 90-day traffic homicide investigation into the death of Dwayne Haskins, Jr. The 24-year-old was crossing the Interstate at 7 am on Sunday for “unknown reasons.”
The day prior, Haskins participated in a practice with several Pittsburgh Steelers players nearby in Boca Raton, Florida. Spirits were reportedly high, as is the tally of those mourning the loss of the three-season NFL vet.
“Heartbroken to hear of the loss of Dwayne Haskins Jr,” his former coach at The Ohio State University, Urban Meyer, tweeted on Sunday. “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!”
Countless other household names in the sports world took to social media to mourn the loss of Haskins, including a local-born MLB hurler playing on another field altogether.
“Heartbreaking. RIP Dwayne Haskins! Sending blessings and prayers to his family! Life is precious. We’re always reminded. Incredibly sad to see young kings and queens, with their entire life ahead of them, gone too soon. Love your people and find your happiness daily!” Marcus Stroman, Chicago Cubs pitcher, former New York Met and Medford native, tweeted.
“I am absolutely heartbroken, Dwayne has made such an impact on me in a short period of time,” presumptive Steelers starter and recent signee, Mitchell Trubitsky, formerly of the Chicago Bears, wrote on Instagram.
“He welcomed me to his team with his big heart and infectious smile. I am so thankful to have known Dwayne. All my love and prayers are with his family,” he added.
Haskins was expected to compete with retired Ben Roethlisberger’s backup Mason Rudolph after minimal playing time as the third-string option behind each last season.
In his redshirt sophomore season for the Buckeyes in 2018, Haskins broke the single-season school records for passing yards (4,831) and touchdowns (50). His performance helped him earn the Sammy Baugh Trophy, the Kellen Moore Award, a win over Washington in the Rose Bowl, a third place finish in the Heisman Trophy voting, and a first-round (pick Number 15) selection in the following year’s NFL Draft by the then-Washington Redskins.
While many distastefully cast negative light on the departed by listing ways in which Haskins failed to live up to expectations thus far as a professional, the fact remains he was still just a kid; as evidenced by NBC Sports’ 2019 profile on the former Washington QB1.
Speaking candidly at the time, Haskins confirmed his nickname (“Simba”), personal mission statement, and clothing line (“Kingdom of Pride”) all shared a singular inspiration in common: Disney’s The Lion King.
On Tuesday, a spokesperson from the Broward County medical examiner’s office said they are awaiting a toxicology report as part of a separate investigation into the cause of death. Haskins is survived by wife, Kalabrya Gondrezick-Haskins.
Dwayne Haskins had plenty more to give, both on the field and beyond it. Thus, he should be remembered for what he accomplished, not for what he didn’t – or had not yet.
“The story behind him (The Lion King’s Simba) growing to King, going through adversity, and having to fall to get up and that’s just something that resonates with my story. Everyone sees the highs of everything but not what it takes to get there,” he said.
