A lawsuit has been filed a year after Dwayne Haskins’ untimely death. In the lawsuit it is being alleged that the former Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback was “targeted and drugged” before being fatally struck on a Florida highway as a part of a “blackmail and robbery conspiracy,” an attorney representing the Haskins family revealed in a statement Monday.
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“Many questions remain as to why the truck driver did not avoid hitting Dwayne given the highly visible activity in the area before the impact and the fact that the other drivers did not hit Dwayne,” attorney Rick Ellsley said in a statement.
One year ago today, NFL QB Dwayne Haskins was tragically killed. He was taken far too soon at the age of 24.
RIP 🙏❤ pic.twitter.com/bSy4lkAFwT
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) April 9, 2023
“The truck driver’s cell phone records have not yet been disclosed. The [Florida Highway Patrol Traffic Homicide Report] also notes that the driver refused to provide a blood sample to the police at the scene and still has not provided the alcohol test results.” Ellsley’s statement also says that driving over the speed limit, excessive cargo, and issues with the vehicle as contributing factors in Haskins’ death.
As we previously reported, Pittsburgh Steelers former quarterback Dwayne Haskins sadly passed away at the age of 24 after being hit by a car in south Florida, according to ESPN reporter Adam Schefter.
Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin released a statement saying, “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.”
He added, 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.”
Dwayne Haskins’ attorney has filed a lawsuit one year after Haskins’ death — based on previously unseen evidence. The release, via Rick Ellsley of The Ellsley Law Firm: pic.twitter.com/1F4c13qu6L
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 10, 2023
Haskins’ professional career got off to a rocky start, as he struggled to find consistent playing time and faced criticism for his work ethic and preparation. He played in nine games as a rookie in 2019, starting seven, and threw for 1,365 yards with seven touchdowns and seven interceptions.
RELATED:Steelers QB Dwayne Haskins Dies At 24 After Being Struck By Car
In 2020, Haskins was named the starting quarterback for Washington, but his performance was inconsistent and he was benched twice during the season. He was also fined for violating the league’s COVID-19 protocols by attending a party without a mask.
After the season, Haskins was released by Washington and signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers for the 2021 season. However, he was released by the team during the preseason and subsequently signed with the Carolina Panthers, where he served as the backup quarterback for the majority of the season.