Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback and OSU standout Dwayne Haskins, 24, died after being hit by a car

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback and former Ohio State standout Dwayne Haskins was killed after being struck by a car.

Haskins, who was set to turn 25 next month, was training with his team in South Florida when the fatal accident occurred early Saturday morning, his agent, Cedric Saunders, confirmed to ESPN‘s Adam Schefter.

No further details have been provided about the accident.

Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin confirmed reports of Haskins’ passing and issued his condolences to Haskins’ loved ones. 

‘I am devastated and at a loss for words with the unfortunate passing of Dwayne Haskins,’ Tomlin said in a statement confirming his death. ‘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.’  

‘Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Kalabrya, and his entire family during this difficult time.’ 

Haskins, 24, was drafted to the NFL by the Washington Commanders in 2019 as the 15th overall pick after he had a fantastic season with the Buckeyes.

Although he was only started at Ohio State for one season, Haskins quickly became one of the best players in college football. 

During his lone season as a starter, he threw for 4,831 yards and 50 touchdown passes. He had 54 career touchdowns.

Haskins also set several conference records, earning him the Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year award. He also finished third in Heisman Trophy voting in 2018.   

Haskins struggled during his first two seasons in the pros, having thrown seven touchdowns and seven interceptions during his rookie season. 

In his second season, he threw for five touchdowns before the team released him in December 2020. 

‘We are devastated to hear the news of the tragic passing of Dwayne Haskins, Jr. He was a young man with a tremendous amount of potential who had an infectious personality,’ Commanders owners Dan and Tanya Snyder said in a statement.

‘To say we are heartbroken is an understatement. Our hearts and prayers are with the members of Dwayne’s family and all of those who knew him and loved him.’

Haskins signed with the Steelers in January 2021, but never got on the field with the team during the regular season. 

He was expected to compete for the starting quarterback position in wake of Ben Roethlisberger’s retirement. 

News of Haskins’ death left many heartbroken, including fellow industry members, athletes and former Buckeyes.

Social media flooded with tributes to the late football player.  

‘Heartbreaking. RIP Dwayne Haskins! Sending blessings and prayers to his family! Life is precious. We’re always reminded,’ Chicago Cubs pitcher Marcus Stroman tweeted. ‘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!’ 

‘This is difficult. As an Ohio State alum I loved what Dwayne Haskins did for the school,’ wrote ESPN NFL Nation reporter John Keim. ‘As a reporter getting to know him and talk to him many times and getting to know those close to him it’s really tough, knowing the devastating impact on their lives. So young. So damn sad.’

‘Dwayne Haskins was always pure class every time the OSU media spoke with him. Great young man,’ wrote radio show host and Bucknuts editor Dave Biddle. ‘#RIP to one of the best young men and QBs in Ohio State history. So damn sad.’

‘Beyond saddened by the loss of Dwayne Haskins. This boy made his dreams come true by playing at Ohio State. Gone too soon,’ wrote attorney and Ohio State alum Isaac Caverly. ‘At a loss for words. One of my favorite players to watch, God please look after his family.’