Florida Attorney Files Civil Lawsuit On Behalf of Dwayne Haskins’ Family As New Details Emerge One Year After His Death

On Monday, Rick Ellsley of The Ellsley Law Firm – an office of law in Plantation, Florida, which primarily represents clients as personal injury attorneys – announced he and his firm filed a civil lawsuit on behalf of the Haskins family due to previously unseen evidence. The case's details were shared in a press release tweeted by NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.

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

Ellsley's press release recounts the details of Haskins' death in the early hours of April 9, 2022. According to reports filed by Florida Highway Patrol Traffic, Haskins was struck by a dump truck as he attempted to cross multiple lanes on I-595 in Broward County, Florida, on foot.

However, Ellsley believes there is more evidence to uncover regarding the former Ohio State quarterback's passing, alluding to Haskins' death being part of a targeted scheme by unidentified individuals to commit blackmail and robbery of the 24-year-old Haskins, who would have entered his fourth season in the NFL and second season with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2022.

“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,” Ellsley stated. “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.

“As to what occurred in the hours before Dwayne was killed, many questions remain unanswered. It is believed that Dwayne was targeted and drugged as part of a blackmail and robbery conspiracy. In fact, his highly-expensive watch was stolen from him shortly before his death.

“The filing of this lawsuit is an important step in the process of uncovering the complete truth about this tragedy. 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.”

Ellsley also stated that details about Haskins' death are still a sensitive topic for Haskins' loved ones, and asked for all people to respect the decision to file a lawsuit at this time, as it may uncover information that could lead to closure for the family in the wake of the tragedy.

“On behalf of Dwayne’s wife, his family, and his memory, and on behalf of the truth, we respectfully request the public’s patience and its withholding of judgment while the legal process continues,” Ellsley wrote.