This article was updated at 7:22 p.m. on Monday, May 23, 2022.
Steelers quarterback Dwayne Haskins was legally intoxicated and had drugs in his system when he was struck and killed on the morning of April 9.
Haskins was struck by a dump truck in the early morning hours as he tried to cross Interstate 595 in Florida near the Fort Lauderdale International Airport.
According to the Broward County medical examiner’s report, Haskins died of blunt force trauma, and his death was ruled an accident.
The report states Haskins was observed trying to wave down cars for 20 minutes before he was killed. His vehicle was found on the side of the highway with a female companion inside who told investigators Haskins left the car to get gas.
Two samples were taken from Haskins to test his blood alcohol level. One was .20 and the other was .24. The legal blood alcohol content in Florida is .08.
His wife, Kalabrya Haskins, issued a statement Monday evening via The Ellsley Law Firm. In part, the statement reads: “On behalf of Dwayne's wife, his family, and his memory, and on behalf of the truth, we respectfully request and pray for privacy, for patience, and for the public to withhold any judgment during this period while the law enforcement authorities continue to investigate and conduct their important work.”
Haskins also tested positive for ketamine and norketamine. Ketamine is a medial anesthetic, but it can also be used as a recreational drug. It’s often referred to as “Special K” for its hallucinogenic effects. Norketamine is a derivative of ketamine.
According to the medical examiner’s report, Haskins had been out at a club in the hours before his death and had been drinking “heavily.”
Haskins was in Florida training with Steelers teammates in the days before his death. He had been trying to rebuild his career with the Steelers after two seasons in Washington, which included on-field struggles and off-field misbehavior that eventually led to the Commanders releasing him less than two years into his four-year rookie contract.
Haskins, the No. 15 overall pick in the 2019 draft, was thrust into a starting role as a rookie and struggled, posting a 2-5 record as a starter. The following season he started the first four games, but he was benched after the Commanders started 1-3.
Later in that season, Haskins made national news for violating the NFL’s COVID-19 protocols when he was captured in a photo without wearing a mask while attending his girlfriend’s birthday party at a club. The photo was taken just hours after a loss to Seattle when Haskins was reinserted as the starting quarterback.
Haskins was fined $40,000 for a second violation of the league’s policy and was stripped of his captaincy by Washington coach Ron Rivera.
Haskins was cut one week later following another loss as Washington’s starting quarterback. One month later, Steelers coach Mike Tomlin gave Haskins a second chance.
Haskins was brought in to compete with Mason Rudolph as Ben Roethlisberger’s backup. Rudolph won a training camp competition while Haskins spent last season as the team’s No. 3 quarterback. He dressed for one game but did not play.
Haskins intimated in an interview last August that the Steelers had big plans for him.
“I’ve been told certain things,” Haskins said following a practice at Heinz Field. “That’s between me and the coaches. I just have to go out there and prove I can play.”
Haskins and Tomlin shared the same agent — Cedric Saunders. Tomlin was among the speakers last month at a celebration of life service at Allegheny Center Alliance Church on the North Side, where Haskins was mourned by Steelers teammates as well as other friends and family.
Ray Fittipaldo: rfittipaldo@post-gazette.com and Twitter @rayfitt1.
First Published: May 23, 2022, 8:21 p.m.
Updated: May 23, 2022, 10:18 p.m.
