New details emerge in the death of Steelers’ Dwayne Haskins
With new audio available along with the crash report itself, the death of the Steelers’ young quarterback is perhaps even sadder than first thought.
New details in the death of the Steelers’ quarterback have now shed light on what was previously an unclear situation.
Steelers’ Dwayne Haskins was going for gas when he was killed
Earlier this month the NFL and the Pittsburgh Steelers had to deal with the tragic death of quarterback Dwayne Haskins, when he was was hit and killed by a dump truck on Interstate 595 near Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Haskins was 24 years old at the time and in Florida to train with his teammates. Interestingly, not much was clear at the time as to what Haskins was doing walking alongside the highway and where he was going so early in the morning. Now according to reports there is in fact a clearer picture.
Indeed, as per TMZ, the details of a 911 call made by Haskins wife, Kalabrya were obtained and made available to the public. According to the report, Haskins’ wife placed a call to emergency services from Pittsburgh not long after her husband informed her that his car had run out of gas and that he was going to walk to find some. Kalabrya stated that her husband told her that he would call her after he got the gas, but in the end he never did. “I kept calling and kept calling,” Kalabyra told the 911 operator. “He wasn’t answering. Eventually, after 10 minutes of calling the phone, eventually it cut off. It’s not working now. I had his location. I just want somebody to go in the area and see if his car is there and if he’s OK and if anything happened to him.”
The 911 operator, witness statements and the crash report
It is understood that the 911 operator told Kalabrya not to panic, but then also added that there was in fact a report of an incident on the highway. They could not confirm whether said incident involved Haskins at the time, but ultimately it was discovered that Haskins was the individual involved and more over was pronounced dead at the scene. Incidentally, the audio released on Wednesday also included calls from witnesses who stated that they saw the dump truck hit a man.
Though there was initial suspicion of an error on the driver’s part, a final crash report released by the Florida Highway Patrol stated that Haskins was walking on the westbound side of I-595 when he entered into the travel lanes and into the path of the dump truck, which was traveling in the center lane. The front left of the dump truck struck Haskins. The report went on to conclude that it was in fact Haskins who acted improperly, when he crossed into the road way and that the driver did not take any action that contributed to the accident. Sadly, it was also confirmed by the investigation officer, that Haskins was struck by a second car which was traveling beside the dump truck and took evasive maneuvers in an effort to avoid him. Haskins was pronounced dead at the scene by Captain Rod Watkins of the Fort Lauderdale Fire Department at 6:48 a.m. The accident investigation is ongoing.
The reaction to Dwayne Haskins death
The outpouring of grief after news of Haskins death was immense as players, coaches and fans alike took to social media to give their condolences. Just this past weekend the former Ohio State star was honored at a Buckeyes game where his initials were marked on players’ helmets in addition to being painted on the field. There was also a moment of silence prior to the game and emotional video montage which was shown at halftime. It is understood that the first of three memorial services for Haskins will take place in Pittsburgh on Friday at 11 a.m. at Allegheny Center Alliance Church. There will also be a service on Saturday at noon at Christ Church in Rockaway Township, New Jersey, and at Bullis School in Potomac, Maryland, on Sunday.
Speaking earlier this week Kalabrya Haskins put into perspective just who her husband was in a statement. “My husband was more than a great football player,” she said. “He had the smile of a rainbow that touched the diversity of so many. He will forever rest and remain in our hearts til the end of time.” Dwayne Haskins would have celebrated his 25th birthday on May 3rd.