Minnesota Vikings rookie cornerback Khyree Jackson was among three people killed in a tragic car crash early Saturday morning in Maryland, police reported. Jackson, who was just 24 years old, was in the front passenger seat of a maroon Dodge Charger when the accident occurred.
The crash took place shortly before 3:15 a.m. in Prince George’s County and involved three vehicles, according to a news release from state police. Jackson was traveling with Isaiah Hazel, 23, who was driving the Charger, and Anthony Lytton, 24. Both Hazel and Jackson died at the scene, while Lytton was transported to the hospital where he was later pronounced dead.
Authorities stated that the crash happened when a silver Infiniti, driven by Cori Clingman, attempted to change lanes while traveling northbound on Route 4 at a high rate of speed. The Infiniti struck the Charger and then collided with a Chevrolet Impala. The impact caused the Charger to veer off the road and hit multiple tree stumps before coming to a halt.
Clingman, 23, and two other passengers in the Infiniti were not injured. The driver of the Impala also escaped injury and declined medical treatment at the scene.
Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell expressed his deep sorrow over Jackson’s death, stating he was “absolutely crushed” and “at a loss for words.” O’Connell described Jackson as someone who brought contagious energy to the team and had a promising future both as a professional football player and as a person dedicated to his family and community.
The Vikings organization also expressed their devastation over Jackson’s untimely death. “Our thoughts are with Khyree’s family, friends, teammates, and coaches, as well as all the victims of this tragic accident,” the team wrote on social media.
Jackson, a native of Upper Marlboro, Maryland, was a starting cornerback at the University of Oregon and was selected by the Vikings in the fourth round of the NFL draft in April. He attended Dr. Henry A. Wise Jr. High School with Hazel and Lytton, as noted in a social media post from the school’s athletic department.
Tributes for Jackson poured in from various quarters. Vikings owners Mark and Zygi Wilf said in a statement, “We are deeply saddened by the news of Khyree’s passing. 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.”
General manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah echoed these sentiments, noting that Jackson was “taking steps to become the best version of himself” and that his “personality captured every room he was in.” Adofo-Mensah added, “I’m devastated that his life and everything that he had in front of him has been cut short.”
Oregon Ducks head coach Dan Lanning also paid tribute to Jackson, writing on social media, “RIP Khyree… Love you @Real_Khyree. at a loss for words. I will miss your smile. Great player better person.”
The NFL family expressed their condolences as well, stating, “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.”
Maryland Governor Wes Moore described Jackson as a “true talent who touched so many lives.” He added, “We mourn him and the two other souls lost in this crash.”
Lytton, one of the other victims, was a defensive back at Florida State University and cornerback at Pennsylvania State University. Hazel was a defensive back at the University of Maryland and the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.
Penn State Football also mourned Lytton’s loss, stating, “Our thoughts & prayers are with his family, friends, high school & all involved in the tragedy.”
Biff Poggi, head coach for the Charlotte 49ers, expressed his heartbreak over Hazel’s death. “Our program mourns his loss, and our thoughts and prayers are with Isaiah’s family during this tragic time,” he said in a statement. “All of Isaiah’s hopes and dreams were still before him, and I pray that his family is granted strength now more than ever.”
Investigators believe that alcohol may have been a contributing factor in the crash, and charges are pending.
Source: NBC News
