Vikings rookie Khyree Jackson dies in a car crash along with former high-school teammates

Jackson was a fourth round pick of the Vikings in the 2024 NFL Draft.

Vikings rookie Khyree Jackson dies in a car crash along with former high-school teammates

Khyree Jackson (Image via Sports Illustrated)

Tragedy struck the Minnesota Vikings and the family of rookie, Khyree Jackson, who was declared dead after an early morning car crash that resulted in the death of two others. The 108th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft was just 24 years old and hoped to make his mark on the biggest stage in football this season.

Maryland State Police released the news of Khyree Jackson’s untimely demise after the law enforcement department responded to reports of a car crash involving three vehicles at 3:14 AM on Saturday. The crash involved a maroon Dodge Charger, a silver Infiniti Q50, and a silver Chevrolet Impala that had crashed. Jackson turned out to be in the passenger seat of the Charger along with 23-year-old Isaiah Hazel who was driving the car. Both of them were declared dead on site.

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In the rear of the car, was a 23-year-old Anthony Lytton Jr., who despite the best efforts of first responders was declared dead when he was taken to the nearest hospital. Khyree Jackson knew both of them from his days at the Dr. Henry Wise Jr. High School in Maryland. The initial reports indicate that the driver of the Infiniti, Cori Clingman rammed into the Charger as he attempted to switch lanes and that she had been driving at a speed above the limit when striking the vehicle.

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NFL quarterbacks share their condolences following the demise of Khyree Jackson

The accused Clingman, is suspected to have been intoxicated as per sources. Quarterbacks across the league could not believe the news and were quick to share their condolences following the demise of Jackson, a talented rookie who was brimming with potential. Houston Texans QB, C.J. Stroud posted a story of Jackson with the message, “This hurts man, Ima miss you bro.” Jackson’s teammate JJ McCarthy was shaken by this news as well. 

Too much ahead of him. Rest in peace to a phenomenal athlete but more importantly, a really f***in great man. See you in the next life fam.
JJ McCarthy posted a story

His demise was a major shock for his teammates and the Vikings organization.

Khyree Jackson
Khyree Jackson and JJ McCarthy (Image via ESPN)

Head coach of the Minnesota Vikings, Kevin O’Connell issued a statement after Khyree Jackson was confirmed to be dead. 

I am absolutely crushed by this news. Khyree brought a contagious energy to our facility and our team...I am at a loss for words. My heart goes out to Khyree's family, friends, teammates, and coaches.
Kevin O’Connell’s statement read

It has to be a sudden shock for the entire Vikings franchise, after all, Jackson brought a positive aura and energy around to the team’s practices.

It does not stop at just that, Jackson truly had a rough path to the NFL but made it onto the biggest stage by working hard. Following high school, Khyree Jackson took a brief hiatus from football but returned to playing the sport when he attended community college. Initially, he began playing as a wideout, however, it was soon evident that he had a higher ceiling if he played cornerback. Unsurprisingly enough, he went on to play for Nick Saban at Alabama for two seasons before playing the last year of his collegiate career at Oregon. He made the all-Pac-12 first-team in the final year.

The other two individuals that were in the car, Isaiah Hazel and Anthony Lytton Jr., played football at Maryland and Charlotte and at Florida and Penn State respectively. It is unfortunate to hear about the demise of Jackson. After all, the cornerback was about to realize his lifetime dream of playing in the NFL. May his soul and that of his friends Rest in Peace.

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