Sports

MD Vigil For Ex-Washington QB Dwayne Haskins, Parents' Heartbreak

The parents of the late Washington quarterback Dwayne Haskins said in a statement they "appreciate everyone who shares in our heartbreak."

POTOMAC, MD — Memorial services have been scheduled in three states — including a vigil at Bullis School in Potomac — for Steelers and former Washington quarterback Dwayne Haskins, who was struck and killed by a truck last weekend while walking on a Florida interstate.

The Haskins family also has issued its first statement since the quarterback's death.

"We have had such an overwhelming outpouring of love for our son since the news broke of our loss," parents Tamara and Dwayne Haskins Sr. said in a statement first reported by WUSA-TV.

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"Anyone who knew Dwayne, knows he worked exceptionally hard to achieve such a high level of success at such a young age. He was touched by so many people on his journey to being a
standout athlete and we are grateful to all of them. This pain is unimaginable and we appreciate everyone who shares in our heartbreak."

A memorial service will be held from noon to 3 p.m. on April 23 at Christ Church in Rockaway Township, New Jersey, where Haskins was born and raised until his high school years.

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A vigil is planned on April 24 at 7 p.m. at Haskins' high school, Bullis School in Potomac.

According to reports, the Pittsburgh Steelers will also have a funeral on April 22. The site, date and time are to be determined. The Haskins family has told team officials they will not attend the service.

On Monday, Bullis School retired Haskins' No. 7 jersey, WUSA said. He originally committed to play college football at the University of Maryland before deciding to play for Ohio State University. Haskins was a finalist for the Heisman Trophy in 2018.

Former Washington NFL quarterback Dwayne Haskins has died after being struck by a dump truck in south Florida. ESPN first reported his death.

Haskins, 24, was a first-round pick of Washington's NFL franchise who signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers a year ago. He graduated from the Bullis School in Potomac, Maryland, in 2016, WTOP reported.

Following his junior season at Ohio State, Haskins was selected 15th overall by the Washington Commanders in the 2019 draft. He spent two seasons with Washington before signing with the Steelers and was the team's third-string quarterback in 2021.

Haskins had a 2-5 record in his seven starts as a Washington rookie, and then went 1-5 in six starts for the team in 2020, WTOP said.

Haskins was killed early Saturday when he was hit by a dump truck while he was walking on a South Florida highway, the Associated Press reported. Florida Highway Patrol spokeswoman Lt. Indiana Miranda confirmed the accident on westbound Interstate 595. Haskins was pronounced dead at the scene.

The Florida Highway Patrol continues to investigate Haskins' death, and officials with the agency say it could be 90 to 120 days before a final report on the incident is issued.

This story includes reporting by Patch editor Eric Heyl.

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