April 9 (UPI) -- Dwayne Haskins, the 24-year-old quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers, died Saturday morning while in Florida to train with other members of the team.
His death was announced by the Steelers and the Washington Commanders, for whom he was a first-round pick in the 2019 draft. He spent two seasons with the Commanders before joining the Steelers.
Haskins was reportedly walking on an expressway "for unknown reasons" when he attempted to cross westbound I-595 in Palm Beach, according to a statement from Florida Highway Patrol. He was struck by a dump truck and pronounced dead at the scene.
Officals are unsure why Haskins was on the highway at the time. In an email to ESPN, Florida Highway Patrol spokesperson Lt. Indiana Miranda said the accident remains "an open traffic homicide investigation."
Before his death, Haskins had posted photos to his Instagram story from Boca Raton while training with Pat Freiermuth, Najee Harris and Mitch Trubisky.
"I am devastated and at a loss for words with the unfortunate passing of Dwayne Haskins. 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," Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin said in a statement.
"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 Commanders co-owners Dan Snyder and Tanya Snyder called Haskins a "young man with tremendous potential" in a statement.
"Dwayne was a talented young man who had a long life ahead of him. This is a very sad time and I am honestly at a loss for words," said Commanders head coach Ron Rivera.
"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."
Former Dallas Cowboys executive and NFL radio analyst Gil Brandt apologized Saturday afternoon for insensitive comments he made on-air about Haskins.
On SiriusXM NFL radio, Brandt called Haskins "a guy that was living to be dead" and suggested that if Haskin had "stayed in school a year he wouldn't do silly things [like] jogging on a highway."
"I want to apologize to Mr. Haskins' family and anyone who heard my poor choice of words," Brandt later wrote on Twitter. "I truly apologize. My heart goes out to his family at this difficult time."
Before he was drafted into the NFL, Haskins built a name for himself in the Washington, D.C., area while playing for Bullis High School in Potomac, Md. He was recruited to play for Ohio State University and served as the Buckeyes' starting quarterback for the 2018-19 season, setting numerous Big Ten records, and was named finalist for the Heisman Trophy.
Ryan Day, the head coach of the Ohio State football team, said in a statement that Haskins' death was "beyond tragic and extremely difficult to process."
"For those who knew him closely, he was much more than a great football player. He had a giant heart, old soul and an infectious smile," Day said. "The Ohio State community and our entire football program are heartbroken."
