Upper Marlboro, Maryland – Khyree Jackson, a 24-year-old rookie cornerback for the Minnesota Vikings, tragically lost his life in a car crash early Saturday morning, August 10, 2024. The accident, which also claimed the lives of his two former high school teammates, occurred in Prince George’s County, Maryland.
The Maryland State Police reported that the accident involved three vehicles. Jackson was a passenger in a maroon Dodge Charger driven by Isaiah Hazel, 23, who also perished at the scene. The third victim, Anthony Lytton, 24, was transported to a nearby hospital but succumbed to his injuries shortly after arrival.
The incident took place around 3:15 a.m. on Route 4. The police report states that the crash occurred when a silver Infiniti, driven by 23-year-old Cori Clingman, attempted to change lanes at a high speed. The Infiniti collided with a Chevrolet Impala before striking the Dodge Charger. The force of the impact caused the Charger to veer off the road and hit several tree stumps before coming to a halt.
Remarkably, Clingman and the two passengers in her vehicle were not injured. The driver of the Chevrolet Impala also escaped without injuries and declined medical treatment at the scene.
Khyree Jackson, originally from Upper Marlboro, Maryland, was a promising young athlete who had been drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in the fourth round of the NFL draft this past April. Before joining the Vikings, Jackson played as a cornerback for the University of Oregon, where he quickly made a name for himself with his skill and determination.
The news of Jackson’s untimely death has sent shockwaves through the community and the sports world. Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell expressed his profound grief, stating that he was “absolutely crushed” and “at a loss for words.” O’Connell praised Jackson for his infectious energy and positive impact on the team, noting that his drive to be the best for his family and those around him was truly remarkable.
The Vikings organization released a statement on social media, offering their condolences to Jackson’s family, friends, teammates, and coaches, as well as all those affected by this tragic accident. "Our thoughts are with Khyree’s family, friends, teammates, and coaches, as well as all the victims of this tragic accident," the statement read. "We are deeply saddened by this tragic accident."
Throughout the day, tributes and condolences have poured in from across the nation. On Facebook, Mary Tucker wrote, “Heartbreaking… Khyree Jackson and two of his friends died last month in a car crash after being hit by a suspected drunk driver. Keep these families in your thoughts.”
Janet Washington also expressed her sorrow, simply stating, “Prayers for the families,” while Claudine Ramsey echoed the sentiment, saying, “So sad!”
Jackson’s former high school, Dr. Henry A. Wise Jr. High School, where he, Hazel, and Lytton all attended, also shared a statement on social media, mourning the loss of their former students.
This tragedy serves as a sobering reminder of the fragility of life and the devastating impact of reckless driving. As the community mourns the loss of these young men, the outpouring of support underscores the deep sense of loss felt by all who knew them.