Following the death of rookie cornerback Khyree Jackson in an overnight car accident, the Minnesota Vikings have released a statement. Jackson was twenty-four years old.
“The news of Khyree Jackson’s passing after an overnight vehicle accident breaks our hearts. The Vikings said on Twitter, “Our thoughts are with Khyree’s family, friends, teammates, coaches, and all the victims of this tragic accident.”
Jackson attended Alabama for two seasons of football (2021 and 2022) before moving to Oregon in time for the 2023 campaign. The Vikings selected him with the 108th overall choice in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL Draft, and he was named to the first team of the Pac-12 this past season.
Jackson was not the only victim of the vehicle accident; Anthony “AJ” Lytton and Isaiah Hazel also perished. Jackson went to Dr. Henry Wise High School in Maryland with Lytton and Hazel.
After transferring to Penn State, Lytton began his career at Florida State. Before transferring to Charlotte for his last season of college, Hazel played four years at Maryland.
Details of the tragic car accident that killed Hazel, Lytton Jr., and Jackson have been made public by the Maryland State Police.
As per the report, early on July 6, near Upper Marlboro, Maryland, three vehicles collided, and troopers from the Forestville Barrack were called to the scene. North of Dower House Road, on Presidential Parkway and Route 4/Pennsylvania Avenue, there was a collision. Three cars were involved: a maroon Dodge Charger, a silver Chevrolet Impala, and a silver Infinity Q50.
Notably, authorities think drinking may have had a role in the collision. As of this report, it’s unknown who might have been driving while intoxicated.
Head coach Kevin O’Connell also issued a statement regarding Jackson’s passing in addition to the Vikings.
“This news just breaks my heart. Khyree instilled a contagious excitement in our staff and facility. His teammates gravitated toward him right away because of his self-assurance and charisma. In the few time we had together, it was clear Khyree would become a fantastic professional football player, but even more remarkable was his drive to improve himself for his family and everyone around him. I don’t know what to say. My thoughts and prayers are with Khyree’s friends, family, teammates, and coaches.
Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, general manager of the Vikings, also issued the following statement regarding Khyree Jackson’s passing:
“I am devastated by Khyree’s passing. During the pre-draft phase, we got to know Khyree and realized what he desired to achieve on a personal and professional level. His was a resilient story. He was making efforts to improve himself—not only for himself, but also for people who held him in high regard. Every space Khyree entered was captivated by his personality. The fact that his life and everything in front of him were snatched away breaks my heart. My thoughts are with Khyree’s friends and family, his teammates and coaches here at the Vikings, and those who coached and played with him in college.
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