Minnesota Vikings draftee Khyree Jackson has died at the young age of 24, according to a report.
The football player tragically died in a three-car accident in Upper Marlboro, Maryland.
He was killed in the crash along with former high school teammates Anthony Lytton Jr., 24, and Isaiah Hazel, 23.
His mother, Ebbony Jackson confirmed to TMZ Saturday, saying she received a call about his death in the early hours of Saturday morning.
Jackson and Hazel were both pronounced dead at the scene by emergency medical services, Maryland Police said. Meanwhile, Lytton was transported to hospital where he later died.
The accident occurred at around 3am ET Saturday when a woman, identified as Cori Clingman, driving a silver Infinity attempted to change lanes on Route 4 at a high speed, police believe.
She struck the Dodge Charger, driven by Hazel and carrying Jackson and Lytton, which collided with another vehicle causing the Dodge to careen off the road, hitting multiple tree stops before eventually coming to a stop.
Clingman had two other passengers in her vehicle at the time of the crash, while the other driver was the only occupant of his Chevrolet. No one else was injured in the accident.
Maryland police have launched an investigation into the fatal crash, believing alcohol may have been involved.
Hazel played at Maryland and Charlotte, while Lytton played at Florida State and Penn State.
The cornerback’s shock death comes just under three months since he was selected by the Vikings in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Minnesota took Jackson with the 108th overall pick in the fourth round, following his collegiate career for both the Oregon Ducks and Alabama Crimson Tide. He had been in consideration to be a start for the Vikings for the upcoming season.
‘We are devastated by the news of Khyree Jackson’s death following an overnight car accident,’ the Vikings organization 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.’
‘I am absolutely crushed by this news,’ head coach Kevin O’Connell added in his own tribute to the draftee.
‘Khyree brought a contagious energy to our facility and our team. His confidence and engaging personality immediately drew his teammates to him.
‘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.
‘I am at a loss for words. My heart goes out to Khyree’s family, friends, teammates and coaches.’
He began his college career at Fort Scott (Kan.) Community College, followed by stints at East Mississippi CC and Alabama, before finishing at Oregon last season and declaring for the draft.
Jackson enjoyed the best season of his career in 2023 for the Ducks, making 34 tackles, including two sacks, seven pass breakups and three interceptions as Oregon’s top cornerback.
His selection in the draft completed somewhat of a redemption for Jackson. He turned his life around following a minor arrest in junior college – that was later dropped – according to Oregon Live.
He quit football at one point after high school before making his way back to the sport at a community college and ascending to the Division I level.
He was a non-qualifier after graduating from Wise High School in 2017. He spent time at three different junior colleges, while taking two seasons away from the game, before landing at Alabama in 2021.
During that interim, he worked in the deli at a grocery store, where he once won an award for employee of the month.
Tributes flooded in from around the NFL and college football world following the news of Jackson’s tragic passing.
‘RIP Khyree… Love you @Real_Khyree at a loss for words. I will miss your smile. Great player better person,’ his former coach at Oregon, Dan Lanning, shared on social media.
‘Prayers up for the family, friends and loved ones of Khyree Jackson,’ former NFL star Robert Griffin III said in his own tribute.
‘The former Oregon Duck and current Minnesota Vikings Corner Back died in a car accident last night at the age of 24. Gone way too soon. Heartbreaking.’
‘The Senior Bowl is saddened to learn of the sudden passing of Khyree Jackson,’ the Reese’s Senior Bowl account posted. ‘Our prayers go out to his family, friends, and teammates. Rest in peace Khyree.’
‘Awful news: Vikings rookie CB Khyree Jackson, at just 24 years old, has unfortunately passed away last night. Our thoughts and prayers are with those who were close to Khyree,’ a Vikings fan account posted.
‘The Dr. Henry A. Wise Athletic Department sends condolences to the families and mourns the loss of Khyree Jackson (State Champ 2016 c/o ’17) Anthony Lytton, Jr. (AJ) (State Champ 2015,16,17 c/o ’18) and Isaiah Hazel (State Champ 2015, 16, 17 c/o ’19). #OnceAPumaAlwaysAPuma,’ the trio’s Dr. Henry A. Wise high school athletics department said.
Meanwhile, UMD shared a tribute to former player, Hazel, writing: ‘The Maryland Football family mourns the passing of former Terp, Isaiah Hazel. Our thoughts and prayers are with Isaiah’s family, loved ones and everybody involved in last nights tragic accident.’
