Minnesota Vikings ‘devastated’ after rookie Khyree Jackson dies in car crash | US News

There are plenty of praises for the 24-year-old, who has been said to have “an extremely bright future ahead of him”.

Minnesota Vikings rookie cornerback Khyree Jackson and two friends were killed when their car was struck by another vehicle “traveling at a high rate of speed,” US police said.

The fatal accident in Maryland happened on Saturday shortly before 3:15 a.m. local time.

Jackson, 24, who was a passenger in a maroon Dodge Charger when it was involved in a three-vehicle crash, died at the scene, according to state police.

Isaiah Hazel, 23, and 24-year-old Anthony Lytton Jr., who he was traveling with, were also killed.

The three had been high school football teammates in Maryland.

Investigators believe the driver of a silver Infiniti was “attempting to change lanes at high speed” when she first struck the Charger and then a Chevrolet Impala.

The impact caused the Charger to veer off the road and hit several tree stumps before coming to a stop.

No one in the other vehicles was injured.

Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell said Jackson’s death left him “absolutely devastated” and “at a loss for words.”

He posted on X: “Khyree has brought an infectious energy to our facility and team.

“His confidence and engaging personality immediately captivated his teammates.

“In the short time we spent together, it was obvious that Khyree was going to develop into a great professional football player, but even more impressive was his desire to become the best person he could be for his family and those around him.”

The Vikings said they were “devastated” by Jackson’s death.

On X, the team wrote: “Our thoughts are with Khyree’s family, friends, teammates and coaches, as well as all the victims of this tragic accident.”

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Vikings owners Mark and Zygi Wilf said in a statement: “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 that he was committed to being a great human being who made a positive impact on people’s lives.”

Meanwhile, the NFL stated: “The NFL family is deeply saddened and shocked to learn of the passing of Vikings rookie Khyree Jackson.

“Our thoughts and condolences go out to his family, loved ones and all those affected by this tragic accident.”

Jackson, from Upper Marlboro, Maryland, was a cornerback at the University of Oregon before joining the Vikings.

Maryland Governor Wes Moore said Jackson was a “true talent who touched so many lives.”

“We mourn for him and the two other souls who lost their lives in this crash,” he posted on X.

Police believe alcohol “may have been a factor in the accident” and charges have been filed against her.