The devastating news of Khyree Jackson's untimely death in a car accident sent shockwaves through the football community on a Saturday morning. Jackson, a rookie cornerback for the Minnesota Vikings, along with two of his high school teammates, were tragically killed in a multi-car crash in Prince George's County, Maryland. Jackson was just 24 years old.
This promising athlete had recently been drafted by the Vikings in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL Draft. He was born and raised in Upper Marlboro, Maryland, and played his collegiate football at the University of Alabama before transferring to the University of Oregon for his senior season. Jackson's football journey, marked by resilience and determination, was abruptly cut short when his Dodge Charger was involved in a crash with two other vehicles early Saturday morning.
The details surrounding the accident paint a grim picture. The Charger, driven by 23-year-old Isaiah Hazel, another of Jackson's high school football teammates, was struck by a silver Infiniti during an attempted lane change. The impact caused the Charger to veer off the road and collide with multiple tree stumps. Tragically, Hazel and 24-year-old Anthony Lytton Jr., who was seated in the rear of the Charger, also lost their lives in the crash. Lytton, like Jackson, had a notable football career, having played for Florida State University and Penn State University.
Maryland State Police have indicated that alcohol may have played a role in the incident, although the investigation is still ongoing. The driver of the Infiniti, 21-year-old Cori Clingman, faces potential charges pending the outcome of the investigation and consultation with the Prince George’s County State’s Attorney’s Office. Neither Clingman nor the occupants of the third vehicle involved in the crash sustained any injuries.
The Vikings organization, along with the broader NFL community, expressed their grief and condolences following the news of Jackson's death. Head coach Kevin O’Connell and general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah both spoke highly of Jackson’s character and potential. O'Connell said, '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.'
Jackson's journey to the NFL was far from a straight path. He initially attended Arizona Western College but left and spent two years working at a grocery store in Maryland. Determined to fulfil his dream, he returned to football at Fort Scott Community College in Kansas, before transferring to Alabama and eventually Oregon. In his senior season with the Ducks, he recorded significant stats that caught the eyes of NFL scouts, including three interceptions and seven pass break-ups.
Despite the challenges he faced, Jackson’s resilience and perseverance saw him through. His story resonated with many as one of determination and hard work. It is this spirit that the football community is mourning.
The accident not only claimed the lives of three young men but also left a deep void in their communities. Dr. Henry A. Wise Jr. High School, where Jackson, Lytton, and Hazel had once led their team to multiple state championships, shared their condolences on social media, mourning the loss of their former students and athletes.
In the wake of Jackson’s passing, several football organizations expressed their sympathies. The Crimson Tide football program and the University of Oregon both released statements mourning the loss of their former player. Oregon head coach Dan Lanning summed up what many felt when he said, 'RIP Khyree… Love you @Real_Khyree at a loss for words. I will miss your smile. Great player better person.'
This tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the unpredictable challenges that come our way. It wasn’t just Jackson’s prowess on the field that people admired, but his resilience and dedication off it. As the investigation continues, the memories of Khyree Jackson, Isaiah Hazel, and Anthony Lytton Jr. will live on in the hearts of those they touched.
Ultimately, the football community has lost three bright sparks, each with their unique journey and potential. As Kevin O’Connell poignantly stated, '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. I am absolutely crushed by this news.'
