Minnesota Vikings rookie Khyree Jackson, 24, was among three men killed in a multi-vehicle car crash in Prince George’s County, Maryland, early Saturday morning.
Jackson, a cornerback, was drafted by the Vikings in the fourth round of the NFL Draft this past spring.
The Maryland State Police identified the other two victims as Isaiah Hazel, 23, and Anthony Lytton, Jr., 24. A social media post indicated that the three were teammates on a state high school championship team in Upper Marlboro.
According to a preliminary investigation, the crash occurred when another driver attempted to change lanes, striking the Dodge Charger driven by Hazel. The Charger veered off the road and struck tree trunks, resulting in Hazel and Jackson being pronounced dead at the scene. Lytton succumbed to his injuries at a hospital.
No one in the other two vehicles involved in the crash was injured.
The Minnesota Vikings expressed their sorrow in a statement released Saturday morning, saying the team is “devastated” by the loss.
“We have spoken to Khyree’s family and offered the support of the Minnesota Vikings. We have also communicated the news to Vikings players, coaches, and staff and have offered counseling for those who need emotional support. Our thoughts are with Khyree’s family, friends, teammates, and coaches, as well as all the victims of this tragic accident,” the statement read.
Vikings Head Coach Kevin O’Connell said he was “absolutely crushed” by the news. “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,” O’Connell added.
Vikings General Manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah expressed his heartbreak over Jackson’s passing. “As we got to know him throughout the pre-draft process, it was clear the goals Khyree wanted to accomplish both professionally and personally. His story was one of resilience. He was taking steps to become the best version of himself not just for him, but for those who cared about and looked up to him. Khyree’s personality captured every room he was in. I’m devastated that his life and everything he had in front of him has been cut short,” Adofo-Mensah said.
Owners Mark and Zygi Wilf also released a statement expressing their deep sadness. “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. We are thinking about Khyree’s family and friends and all members of the Minnesota Vikings following this devastating loss,” the Wilfs said.
Jackson, who played two years at Alabama and one season at Oregon, was anticipated to compete for a starting cornerback position at the Vikings’ upcoming training camp. Last season, he was a first-team All-Pac-12 selection by The Associated Press, tying for second in the conference with three interceptions.
Hazel played college football at Maryland and Charlotte, while Lytton played at Florida State and Penn State. The three previously won a state championship together at Dr. Henry A. Wise Jr. High School, which honored them in a social media post.
“RIP Khyree… Love you,” Oregon coach Dan Lanning posted on social media. “At a loss for words. I will miss your smile. Great player, better person.”