Minnesota Vikings cornerback dies in car accident at age 24

Minnesota Vikings cornerback Khyree Jackson has died at the age of 24 as a result of a car accident on Friday night.

Jackson was selected by the Vikings in the fourth round of this year’s NFL Draft after impressing with the Oregon Ducks during the 2023 season.

And on Friday night (July 5), the American died in a car accident in Maryland, his birthplace. The Vikings confirmed the news on Saturday.

The franchise said in a statement: “We are devastated by the news of Khyree Jackson’s death following a car accident overnight. Our thoughts are with Khyree’s family, friends, teammates and coaches, as well as all the victims of this tragic accident.”

Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell admitted he was “heartbroken,” adding, “I am absolutely devastated by this news. Khyree brought a contagious energy to our facility and our team. His confidence and engaging personality immediately attracted his teammates.”

“In our short time 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. I am at a loss for words. My condolences go out to Khyree’s family, friends, teammates and coaches.”

Maryland State Police released a statement saying, “(We) are investigating a fatal crash that left three people dead this morning in Prince George’s County. The dead are identified as: Isaiah Hazel, 23, of Upper Marlboro; Khyree Jackson, 24, of Waldorf; and Anthony Lytton Jr, 24, of Upper Marlboro.”

“Hazel and Jackson were pronounced dead at the scene by emergency medical services. Lytton was transported to the University of Maryland Capital Region Medical Center, where hospital personnel later pronounced him dead.

“All three victims were passengers of a maroon Dodge Charger involved in the crash. Hazel was the driver. Jackson was in the passenger seat and Lytton was in the back seat of the vehicle.”

The statement added that two other vehicles were involved in the incident: a silver Infiniti Q50 and a silver Chevrolet Impala. Investigators say the driver of the Infiniti “attempted to change lanes at a high rate of speed,” causing her to collide with the other two vehicles. The vehicle carrying Jackson then veered off the road, struck several tree stumps, and eventually came to a stop.

In the Infiniti, there were two other passengers besides the driver, none of whom were injured. In the Impala, only the driver was seated, who was uninjured and refused medical treatment at the scene of the accident.

According to the Maryland State Police: “Investigators believe alcohol may have played a role in the accident.”