Family of Dwayne Haskins alleges former OSU quarterback ‘targeted and drugged’ in new lawsuit

BROWARD COUNTY, FLORIDA — The attorney representing the widow of former Ohio State quarterback Dwayne Haskins has filed a new lawsuit one year after his death.

It alleges Haskins was “targeted and drugged” before being struck and killed by a dump truck on a South Florida interstate highway in April 2022.

>>PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Former OSU QB Dwayne Haskins had ketamine in system before death

A statement about the lawsuit was posted online by Rick Ellsley of The Ellsley Law Firm on behalf of Kalabrya Haskins.

“The filing of this lawsuit is an important step in the process of uncovering the complete truth about this tragedy,” said Ellsley. “The civil justice system allows for subpoenas to be issued for critical documents and for sworn testimony to be taken of people who have knowledge about the events leading up to Dwayne’s death.”

WHIO’s sister station in Pittsburgh, WPXI, reported back in April that a Florida Highway Patrol spokesperson reportedly confirmed Haskins was walking along the highway when he was hit attempting to cross the road with oncoming traffic. Investigators said his car ran out of gas and he was walking to find a gas station.

Witnesses say he was trying to wave down cars and standing in the center lane when he was hit by a truck and then an SUV.

WPXI said the autopsy reported Haskins “drank heavily” and ingested ketamine in the hours before he was hit by a dump truck and killed in Interstate 595. Officials said he died from multiple blunt force trauma and the coroner ruled his death accidental.

The toxicology report from the autopsy said Haskins’ blook alcohol level was 0.24, according to WPXI-TV.

>>ORIGINAL COVERAGE: Steelers QB Dwayne Haskins killed after hit by dump truck on Florida interstate

The lawsuit was filed in Broward County last month and named 14 defendants, including four people, according to our news partner WBNS in Columbus.

It says many unanswered questions remain.

“It is believed that Dwayne was targeted and drugged as part of a blackmail and robbery conspiracy,” said Ellsley. “In fact, his highly-expensive watch was stolen from him shortly before his death.”

He said in the Florida homicide report, Haskins was only feet away from making it safely across the roadway when he was struck and killed, WBNS reports.

Ellsley alleges “the truck was going faster than the speed limit, carrying excessive cargo, had brake system problems and was traveling on low tread tires with separated sidewalls.”

He says a few drivers had time to call 911 and were present in the area where Dwayne Haskins was crossing.

“There were tail lights, brake lights, and hazard flashers from these cars as well as a bright traffic construction signal board – all of which illuminated Dwayne as the dump truck driver was approaching the area where Dwayne was crossing.”

>>Steelers QB Dwayne Haskins’ wife called 911 the morning of his death, said he was out of gas

Ellsley says the cell phone records of the truck driver have not yet been disclosed and the driver refused to provide a blood sample to police at the scene and still has not provide the alcohol test results.

Other defendants named in the lawsuit include the Florida Department of Transportation, two restaurants, a car rental company and hotel, WBNS reports.

We will continue to provide updates on this developing story.

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