Dwayne Haskins: 911 Call Sheds Light On Why He Was On Foot

POTOMAC, MD — New information from a 911 call the wife of former Washington quarterback Dwayne Haskins made to authorities helps explain why he was walking on a Florida highway before he died.

The emergency call audio obtained by a Fox Sports talk show host indicates Haskins was walking to get gas when he was fatally struck by a dump truck on April 9.

The audio, obtained by Andy Slater, includes a concerned call from Haskins' widow, Kalabrya Haskins. She told a dispatcher that Haskins had called her from the side of the road near Interstate 95 in Broward County, and said he would call her back when he finished putting gas in the vehicle.

Before the audio was posted online on Wednesday, few details had emerged as to why Haskins, 24, was walking on the highway when he was killed. Haskins was pronounced dead at the scene.

Police have said they will not have further statements until their investigation is complete, which could take three to four months.

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

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.

The Haskins family issued a statement last week on 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.

"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."

Haskins 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 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.

This story includes reporting by Patch editor Eric Heyl.

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