'Very disturbing': New details emerge after Dwayne Haskins' death
Disturbing new details have emerged after the death of NFL player Dwayne Haskins, with a man claiming he saw the 24-year-old walking along the highway minutes before he was killed.
Haskins was killed on Saturday when he was struck by a dump truck while walking on a South Florida highway.
“He was attempting to cross the westbound lanes of Interstate 595 when there was oncoming traffic,” Florida Highway Patrol spokeswoman Lt. Indiana Miranda said in a statement.
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Investigators have provided little detail about the circumstances surrounding the Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback's death.
However local resident Chris Stanley said on Tuesday that he believes he saw Haskins on the highway minutes before the collision, noticing vehicles were veering into his lane.
“And what I noticed was a Mack truck, or a big tractor-trailer, with also another vehicle that started moving a little bit to the left,” Mr Stanley said.
“I was in the left lane and then there was the right lane. And then I noticed an individual there starting to make their way onto the road.
“He was about halfway, to a quarter way in the right lane, already onto the highway and I was already concerned that somebody was going to strike him right there at that moment."
Mr Stanley called 911 at 6.31am and Florida Highway Patrol officials have said crash was reported at 6.37am – just six minutes later.
He added that he didn’t see a car alongside the highway that could have belonged to Haskins.
“I did not see any vehicle nearby,” he told NBC 6 South Florida.
“I was more concerned with him because he was already making his way onto the road system.”
Mr Stanley said he couldn't think of a reason for the man to be there.
“That’s why it’s just very disturbing. I just didn’t understand the situation," he added.
NFL world in shock over Dwayne Haskins' death
Haskins was a superstar at Ohio State college, throwing for 4831 yards and 50 touchdowns in 2018.
He was then a first-round draft pick by Washington in 2019, but was released by the team after going 3-10 over two seasons.
He was signed by Pittsburgh as a developmental QB, but didn't appear in a game last season and was trying to make the Steelers team for 2022.
Haskins appeared to be in South Florida this week with several teammates, including fellow quarterback Mitch Trubisky, running back Najee Harris and tight end Pat Freiermuth.
His death sparked an outpouring of grief from multiple corners of the NFL, including 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.
"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.”
with Associated Press
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