UPPER MARLBORO, Md. (AP) — Vikings rookie cornerback Khyree Jackson was killed Saturday morning in a car crash in Maryland, police and the team said.
Jackson, 24, was one of three people who died in an overnight three-car crash in Prince George’s County, according to Maryland State Police.
The Vikings released a statement saying the team spoke to Jackson’s family, and is “devastated by the news.”
“I am heartbroken by the loss of Khyree,” Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah said in the statement. “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 a fourth-round selection of the Vikings in the 2024 NFL draft. He played two years at Alabama before finishing his college career with one season at Oregon.
Jackson was in the running to earn a starting cornerback job at the team’s training camp, which opens 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 said Jackson died at the scene. The other victims were Isaiah Hazel, 23, and Anthony Lytton, Jr., 24.
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.
They were in the same vehicle at the time of the crash. Hazel was driving, and Jackson and Lytton were passengers, police said.
Investigators believe the driver of a second vehicle traveling north attempted to change lanes “at a high rate of speed” when they struck the car driven by Hazel and a third vehicle.
Nobody was injured in the second or third vehicles.
Investigators say alcohol might have been a contributing factor in the crash, and charges are pending “the investigation and consultation with the Prince George’s County State’s Attorney’s Office.”
The Minnesota Vikings community is mourning the loss of 24-year-old rookie cornerback Khyree Jackson, who tragically died in a car crash over the weekend. Jackson, who was signed as an undrafted free agent out of the University of Maryland, was known for his speed and athleticism on the field.
According to reports, Jackson was driving home from a team workout when the accident occurred. The details of the crash are still under investigation, but it serves as a sobering reminder of the dangers of distracted or reckless driving.
Jackson’s teammates and coaches have expressed their shock and sadness at his untimely passing. Head coach Mike Zimmer described Jackson as a hardworking and dedicated player who had a bright future ahead of him in the NFL.
The Vikings organization has offered their condolences to Jackson’s family and friends during this difficult time. They have also announced plans to honor his memory during the upcoming season, with a moment of silence and special tributes planned for their first home game.
The loss of Khyree Jackson is a tragic reminder of how fragile life can be, and serves as a stark warning about the importance of safe driving practices. Our thoughts are with his loved ones as they navigate this heartbreaking loss.