Minnesota Vikings cornerback Khyree Jackson is dead at 24.
Maryland State Police confirmed in a statement to Us Weekly that the NFL player was killed in a car accident at 3:14 a.m. in Prince George’s County on Saturday, July 6, in Maryland, along with Isaiah Hazel, 23, and Anthony Lytton, Jr., 24, when they collided with two other cars in Upper Marlboro.
Hazel, the driver, and Jackson, who was in the passenger seat, were pronounced dead on the scene. Lytton, who was in the backseat, was transported to the University of Maryland Capital Region Medical Center where he was pronounced dead by hospital personnel.
Investigators confirmed that a silver Infinity Q50 attempted to change lanes at “a high rate of speed” and crashed into Hazel’s maroon Dodge Charger, which crashed into a Chevrolet Impala. The Charger was sent off the road and struck multiple tree trunks.
No one in the Infinity was hurt. The driver of the Impala was unharmed and refused medical treatment at the scene. “Investigators believe alcohol may have been a contributing circumstance in the crash,” the Maryland State Police said in a statement to Us. Charges are currently pending.
“We are devastated by the news of Khyree Jackson’s death following an overnight car accident,” the Minnesota Vikings said in a statement on Saturday. “While we work to gather more information, 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.”
A Maryland native, Jackson had played football for the University of Alabama before transferring to the University of Oregon in 2023 for his final collegiate season. He was a fourth-round pick by the Vikings in the 2024 NFL draft.
“I am absolutely crushed by this news,” Vikings 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. 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.”