Minnesota Vikings fourth-round pick Khyree Jackson passed away Saturday morning in a car accident in Maryland. Police believe alcohol played a role in the crash.
The Minnesota Vikings and the football world are reeling from the tragic loss of fourth-round draft pick Khyree Jackson, who passed away Saturday morning in a car accident. Jackson was just 24 years old.
According to the Maryland State Police, Jackson was a passenger in a Dodge Charger that was involved in a three-vehicle collision at around 3:14 a.m. The Charger was struck by a silver Infiniti Q50 while attempting to change lanes. The driver of the Infiniti, Cori Clingman, was reportedly driving at a high rate of speed.
Tragic Loss: Minnesota Vikings Draft Pick Khyree Jackson Killed in Car Crash
Two other passengers in the Charger, Isaiah Hazel and Anthony Lytton Jr., were also killed in the crash. Clingman had two other passengers in her car, but none were injured. The driver of the third vehicle was also uninjured.
"I am absolutely crushed by this news," Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell said in a statement. "Khyree brought a contagious energy to our facility and our team. His confidence and engaging personality immediately drew his teammates to him."
Tragic Loss: Minnesota Vikings Draft Pick Khyree Jackson Killed in Car Crash
Jackson, a cornerback, was drafted by the Vikings with the 108th overall pick in April's NFL Draft. He had a promising career ahead of him, having earned All-Pac-12 first-team honors at Oregon during his collegiate career.
Police said they believe alcohol may have been a contributing factor in the crash. Charges are pending as the investigation continues.
Tragic Loss: Minnesota Vikings Draft Pick Khyree Jackson Killed in Car Crash
The loss of Jackson is a devastating blow to the Vikings and to the NFL community. He was a talented young player with a bright future ahead of him. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends during this difficult time.
Jackson was a passenger in the front seat of the Charger, which was being driven by Hazel. The Charger was traveling eastbound on Campus Drive in Prince George's County, Maryland, when it was struck by the Infiniti, which was traveling westbound. The impact of the collision caused the Charger to spin into the path of the Chevrolet Impala.
Hazel and Lytton were pronounced dead at the scene. Jackson was transported to a local hospital, where he later died from his injuries.
The driver of the Infiniti, Clingman, was charged with three counts of negligent homicide and driving under the influence. She is being held without bond.
The investigation into the crash is ongoing.
Khyree Jackson was born on March 4, 2000, in Washington, D.C. He attended Dr. Henry Wise Jr. High School in Maryland, where he played football and basketball.
After graduating high school, Jackson took a break from football and attended community college. He later returned to the sport and played two seasons at Alabama under Nick Saban. He finished his collegiate career at Oregon, where he was an All-Pac-12 first-team selection.
Jackson was drafted by the Vikings in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL Draft. He was expected to compete for a starting role in the Vikings' secondary.
"Khyree was a special young man who had a bright future ahead of him," said Oregon head coach Dan Lanning. "He was a beloved member of our team and our hearts are broken for his family, friends, and teammates."
"Khyree was a rising star who had the potential to be one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL," said Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah. "We are deeply saddened by his loss."
"Khyree was a great teammate and friend," said Vikings cornerback Patrick Peterson. "He will be deeply missed by everyone who knew him."
The NFL community has also come together to mourn the loss of Khyree Jackson.
"Khyree Jackson was a talented young player with a promising future," said NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. "Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends during this difficult time."
Jackson's death is a reminder of the fragility of life. He was a young man with so much potential who was taken from us too soon. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends during this difficult time.
