Vikings rookie cornerback Khyree Jackson has died in an car accident in his hometown of Upper Marlboro, Md.
The fatal crash occurred shortly after 3:14 a.m. Saturday in Prince George’s County, according to Maryland State Police, and Jackson was pronounced dead at the scene.
Jackson, 24, was in the front passenger seat of a Dodge Charger that was struck by an Infiniti Q50 attempting to change lanes at high speed, the police said. The collision sent the Dodge off the right side of the roadway, where it struck tree stumps.
The crash also claimed the life of Jackson’s friends Isaiah Hazel, 23, and Anthony Lytton Jr., 24. Hazel, the Dodge’s driver, was pronounced dead at the scene, and Lytton was pronounced dead at a hospital.
The driver of the Infiniti was unharmed, as were the occupants of another car involved in the crash. The preliminary investigation suggests alcohol may have played a role in the fatal crash and charges are pending.
Hazel played college football at Maryland and Charlotte, and Lytton played at Florida State and Penn State. The three won state championships together at Dr. Henry A. Wise Jr. High School in Maryland, according to On3.com.
“We are deeply saddened by the news of Khyree’s passing,” Vikings owners Mark and Zygi Wilf said in a statement. “Khyree had an extremely bright future ahead of him as a player, and it was clear he was dedicated to being a tremendous person who made a positive difference in people’s lives.”
Jackson was selected by the Vikings in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL Draft — another highlight on an incredible journey that spoke to his resilience as a person.
Khyree Jackson, then a defensive back with Oregon, poses at the NFL Combine, Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024, in Indianapolis. (Doug Benc / Associated Press for the NFL)
After stepping away from football as a teenager, he returned home and worked at a grocery store before eventually returning to the game he loved. He steadily worked his way up the ranks from there and ended up at the highest level with the Vikings.
“I am absolutely crushed by this news,” Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell said in a statement. “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, but what was more impressive was his desire to become the best person he could be for his family and those around him. I am at a loss for words. My heart goes out to Khyree’s family, friends, teammates and coaches.”
The winding road that was Jackson’s collegiate career featured stops at Arizona Western College, Fort Scott Community College in Kansas, East Mississippi Community College, the University of Alabama, and finally, the University of Oregon. He finished last season with 34 tackles, 2 sacks, 3 interceptions and 7 pass breakups on his way to being named first-team All-Pac-12.
The infectious demeanor with which Jackson carried himself drew the Vikings to him throughout the predraft process. It ultimately led to them selecting him with the No. 108 pick.
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