Vikings Rookie Khyree Jackson Dies In Maryland Car Crash At 24

Minnesota Vikings rookie cornerback Khyree Jackson, 24, died in a car crash that killed three early Saturday morning in his home state of Maryland, according to the Maryland State Police.

The accident, which occurred in Prince George’s County, also claimed the lives of Jackson’s former high school teammates Isaiah Hazel, 23, and Anthony Lytton Jr., 24. All three were alumni of Dr. Henry A. Wise Jr. High School.

Investigators believe the crash involved three vehicles: a Dodge Charger carrying the three victims, a Chevrolet Impala and a silver Infiniti driven by Cori Clingman. According to police, Clingman attempted to change lanes at high speed, striking the Charger and then the Impala. The Charger veered off the road, hitting multiple tree stumps before coming to a stop.

Hazel was driving the Charger, with Jackson in the passenger seat and Lytton in the back. Clingman, her two passengers, and the Impala driver were uninjured. Authorities suspect alcohol may have been a factor in the crash.

Jackson, selected by the Vikings in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL draft, had an inspiring journey to professional football. After initially giving up the sport due to academic challenges, he worked at a grocery store before returning to football in 2019. He played for Alabama for two seasons before transferring to Oregon, where he caught the Vikings’ attention.

The Vikings organization expressed deep sorrow over Jackson’s death. Team owners Mark and Zygi Wilf praised Jackson’s dedication and positive impact, while General Manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah described him as resilient and charismatic.

Head Coach Kevin O’Connell said, “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.”

Jackson’s former coach at Oregon, Dan Lanning, also shared his condolences on social media, calling Jackson a “great player, better person.”

The Dr. Henry A. Wise Jr. High School Athletic Department mourned the loss of all three former students, noting their contributions to multiple state championships.

Jackson had recently expressed enthusiasm about his NFL opportunity on social media, writing, “What can I say? I guess the saying ‘life is what you make it’ really means exactly what it reads. I got up off my ass and took what I deserved.”

Jackson was set to make his professional debut this fall.