Vikings rookie cornerback Khyree Jackson has died in a car accident, his agent told ESPN.
Minnesota Vikings rookie cornerback Khyree Jackson and two former college players were killed in a car crash overnight, according to Maryland State Police. Jackson was 24.
Minnesota Vikings rookie cornerback Khyree Jackson (pictured) has died in a car accident, his agent told ESPN. Nick Wosika/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Jackson died following a three-car crash that occurred at 3:14 a.m. Saturday in Prince George’s County, according to police. Isaiah Hazel and Anthony Lytton Jr., the two former players who were Jackson’s high school teammates, also died in the crash, police said.
Hazel, 23, played at Maryland and Charlotte, while Lytton, 24, played at Florida State and Penn State.
Police said Hazel was driving a Dodge Charger with Jackson in the passenger seat when her car was struck by an Infiniti Q50 that was attempting to change lanes at a high rate of speed. The Charger then left the roadway and struck several trees.
According to police, Jackson and Hazel were pronounced dead at the scene, while Lytton was transported to a hospital before being pronounced dead by hospital staff.
Neither the driver of the Infiniti Q50 nor her two passengers nor the driver of the third vehicle were injured. Investigators believe alcohol may have played a role in the crash, police said, adding that charges are pending.
Jackson was selected by the Vikings in the fourth round of this year’s draft and was considered a contender to start at cornerback.
“We are devastated by the news of Khyree Jackson’s death following an overnight car accident,” the Vikings said in a statement. “Our thoughts are with Khyree’s family, friends, teammates and coaches, as well as all the victims of this tragic accident.”
Jackson played his final season of college football at Oregon, and Ducks coach Dan Lanning was among those who paid tribute to Jackson on social media.
He was an all-Pac-12 first-team selection for Oregon in 2023. Prior to joining the Ducks, Jackson played two seasons at Alabama under coach Nick Saban. He had left football at one point following high school before returning to the sport at a community college and moving up to the Division I level.
“I am absolutely heartbroken by this news,” Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell said in a statement. “Khyree brought an infectious energy to our facility and to our team. His confidence and engaging personality immediately drew his teammates to him. In our short time together, it was evident that Khyree was going to become a tremendous professional football player, but what was more impressive was his desire to become the best person he might 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.”
