The family of Dwayne Haskins, the former NFL quarterback who was struck and killed by a truck in Florida last year, is suing several people and entities, alleging that he was drugged and robbed before his death.
The lawsuit, filed in Broward County on Monday, claims that Haskins was targeted and drugged as part of a “blackmail and robbery conspiracy” on the night before he died. It also alleges that his expensive watch was stolen from him shortly before his death.
Dwayne Haskins, 24, was trying to cross a south Florida highway in the early hours of April 9, 2022, when he was hit by a truck. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
The lawsuit names four people, two restaurants, and a hotel among defendants connected to the alleged conspiracy. Included are the driver and owner of the truck that struck Haskins. The lawsuit claims it was exceeding the speed limit, had worn tires and brakes and was overloaded.
It says the pick-up truck Haskins had rented had a mechanical defect that caused it to run out of fuel.
The family also alleges the state highway department didn’t properly maintain and light the road, or post a lower speed limit while construction work was being done. They say a temporary sign blocked visibility on the highway.
The lawsuit seeks unspecified damages.
Dwayne Haskins’ widow, Kalabrya, is listed as the plaintiff and personal representative of his estate.
The lawsuit does not provide any details about the alleged blackmail and robbery conspiracy.
Broward County Medical Examiner’s Office said in a report last May that Haskins died of blunt force trauma.
The manner of death was ruled an accident.
The medical examiner’s toxicology report concluded Dwayne Haskins was drunk at the time. One sample showed Haskins had a blood alcohol level of 0.24 per cent, three times Florida’s legal limit of 0.08 per cent.
It also showed that Haskins tested positive for ketamine and norketamine. Both drugs can be used as medical anesthetics or recreationally. It is unclear whether Haskins was prescribed these medications.
Dwayne Haskins signed for the Steelers in early 2021, having previously been with the Washington Commanders.
He played college football at Ohio State, where he won a number of titles and set several passing and touchdown records.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Randy Cooper has been in marketing technology more than 35 years. He has a Bachelors of Science in Information Technology, with a focus on web development, from the University of Phoenix. He has a Masters in Business Administration, with a focus on digital marketing, from Liberty University. In 2009, Randy founded Buzz My Biz, a consulting company focused on giving enterprise-level marketing results to small and medium-sized businesses. When he isn’t pounding away on a keyboard, he enjoys watching the Atlanta⚾️Braves, hiking, and working in the yard.
