Just over a year after the death of former Ohio State quarterback Dwayne Haskins, attorney Rick Ellsley announced on Monday that he has filed a lawsuit on behalf of Haskins’ family alleging that Haskins was the victim of a “blackmail and robbery conspiracy.”
On April 9, 2022, Haskins was struck and killed by a dump truck while walking across Interstate 595 in Broward County, Fla. According to the lawsuit filed last month by Ellsley – a member of The Ellsley Law Firm, a law office in Plantation, Fla. – they believe that Haskins was targeted and drugged as part of a blackmail and robbery conspiracy, pointing to Haskins’ “highly expensive” watch being stolen shortly before his death.
“The filling of this lawsuit is an important step in the process of uncovering the complete truth about this tragedy,” a statement from the firm said. “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.”
Beyond the circumstances prior to Haskins’ death, the lawsuit also alleges that his death was avoidable, with the Florida Highway Patrol Traffic Homicide Report showing that Haskins only feet away from safely crossing the road before being hit by the dump truck.
“This 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,” the statement said.
The statement said several drivers ahead of the dump truck saw Haskins and avoided him, with some even having time to dial 911, and also pointed to tail lights, brake lights and hazards from cars, as well as a bright construction signal board, which would have illuminated Haskins.
“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,” the statement said. “The truck driver’s cell phone records have not yet been disclosed. The 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.”
A toxicology report from the Broward County Medical Examiner’s Office concluded that Haskins was legally drunk when he was hit, with separate samples showing blood alcohol levels of .20 and .24, both of which were above the legal limit in Florida of .08.
“On behalf of Dwayne’s wife, his family, and his memory, and on behalf of the truth, we respectively request the public’s patience and its withholding of judgement while the legal process continues,” the statement said.
