July 06, 2024
In a heartbreaking incident, Minnesota Vikings rookie cornerback Khyree Jackson, aged 24, tragically lost his life in a car crash early Saturday morning. The fatal accident, which occurred in Upper Marlboro, Maryland, also claimed the lives of Jackson’s high school football teammates, Isaiah Hazel, 23, and Anthony Lytton Jr., 24. The Maryland State Police have confirmed these details.
Jackson was a passenger in a Dodge Charger involved in a three-car collision. Emergency responders pronounced Jackson dead at the scene. Hazel, who was driving the Charger, and Lytton Jr., a rear passenger, also succumbed to their injuries. According to police reports, a silver Infiniti, driven by Cori Clingman, collided with the Charger while attempting to change lanes at high speed, subsequently hitting a Chevrolet Impala. The Charger veered off the road, striking multiple tree stumps.
The Minnesota Vikings expressed their sorrow in a statement: “We are devastated by the news of Khyree Jackson’s death following an overnight car accident. Our thoughts are with Khyree’s family, friends, teammates, and coaches, as well as all the victims of this tragic accident.”
Authorities suspect that alcohol may have been a factor in the crash, which is still under investigation. The NFL also released a statement mourning Jackson’s death: “The NFL family is deeply saddened and devastated by the passing of Vikings rookie Khyree Jackson. Our thoughts and condolences are with his family, loved ones, and everybody involved in this tragic accident.”
Khyree Jackson was a promising talent selected by the Vikings in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL Draft. His collegiate career included two years at the University of Alabama, followed by a standout senior season at the University of Oregon. In his final year, he earned All-Pac-12 first-team honors with impressive stats: three interceptions, seven pass break-ups, two sacks, and 34 total tackles.
Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell shared his grief: “I am absolutely crushed by this news. Khyree brought a contagious energy to our facility and our team. His confidence and engaging personality immediately drew his teammates to him. In our short time together, it was evident Khyree was going to develop into a tremendous professional football player. My heart goes out to Khyree’s family, friends, teammates, and coaches.”
This tragic event has left the NFL community and fans in mourning, highlighting the fleeting nature of life and the deep impact Jackson had on those around him.