Minnesota Vikings Rookie Khyree Jackson Dead at 24

Khyree Jackson, a rookie cornerback for the Minnesota Vikings, has reportedly been killed in a car crash in Maryland. He was 24 years old.

According to a statement from the Maryland State Police, local law enforcement responded to a car crash around 3:14 a.m. in Upper Marlboro, Maryland. The deceased were identified as Jackson, Isaiah Hazel, 23, and Anthony Lytton, Jr., 24.

Jackson and Hazel died at the scene, while Lytton was transported to a nearby hospital where he was later pronounced dead.

Per Maryland Police, the crash involved a maroon Dodge Charger, a silver Infiniti Q50, and a silver Chevrolet Impala. Hazel was driving the Charger, Jackson was the front passenger, and Lytton was in the back. A preliminary investigation indicated that the Infiniti driver, identified as Cori Clingman, was allegedly speeding and changing lanes when she hit the Charger, which then crashed into tree stumps.

Clingman and her two passengers were left uninjured. The driver of the Impala was also unharmed. The Maryland State Police Crash Team is leading the investigation, with potential charges pending consultation with the Prince George’s County State’s Attorney’s Office, and they suspect alcohol is a contributing factor in the fatal crash.

"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," Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell shared in a statement on social media.

"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," he added. "I am at a loss for words. My heart goes out to Khyree's family, friends, teammates and coaches."

According to ESPN, Jackson was a fourth-round pick in this year’s draft and a potential starting cornerback. He played his final college season at Oregon, earning all-Pac-12 first-team honors in 2023.

Prior to Oregon, Jackson played at Alabama and had a stint in community college after initially quitting football post-high school.

"Alabama mourns the loss of former student-athlete Khyree Jackson. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends," read a post from Alabama on X.