Minnesota Vikings rookie cornerback Khyree Jackson was tragically killed in a car crash in Maryland on Saturday morning, police and the team reported.
Jackson, 24, was among three people who died in an overnight three-car collision in Prince George’s County, according to Maryland State Police.
The Vikings issued a statement expressing their grief and noting they had spoken with Jackson's family. “We are devastated by the news,” the statement read.
Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah shared his sorrow, stating, “I am heartbroken by the loss of Khyree. As we got to know him throughout the pre-draft process, it was clear the goals Khyree wanted to accomplish both professionally and personally. His story was one of resilience. He was taking steps to become the best version of himself not just for him, but for those who cared about and looked up to him.”
Jackson was selected by the Vikings in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL draft. He played two years at Alabama before completing his college career with one season at Oregon, where he started at cornerback.
Oregon head football coach Dan Lanning paid tribute to Jackson on social media: “I will miss your smile. Great player, better person,” he wrote on X.
Jackson was vying for a starting cornerback position at the Vikings' training camp, set to open later this month in Eagan, Minnesota.
“I am at a loss for words. My heart goes out to Khyree’s family, friends, teammates, and coaches,” Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell said in the statement.
Police confirmed that Jackson died at the scene. The other victims were identified as Isaiah Hazel, 23, and Anthony Lytton Jr., 24. Hazel played college football at Maryland and Charlotte, while Lytton played at Florida State and Penn State.
The three had won state championships together at Dr. Henry A. Wise Jr. High School in Maryland, according to On3.com. They were in the same vehicle at the time of the crash, with Hazel driving and Jackson and Lytton as passengers.
Investigators believe the driver of a second vehicle traveling north attempted to change lanes “at a high rate of speed,” resulting in a collision with Hazel's car and a third vehicle. No one in the second or third vehicles was injured.
Investigators suspect alcohol may have been a contributing factor in the crash, and charges are pending further investigation and consultation with the Prince George’s County State’s Attorney’s Office.
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