Khyree Jackson, Vikings Cornerback, Dead At 24 After Tragic Accident

Minnesota Vikings rookie Khyree Jackson sadly died in Upper Marlboro, Maryland on July 6 after a fatal car wreck, TMZ reports. Jackson was 24. Two others, Isaiah Hazel, 23, and Anthony Lytton Jr., 24, tragically passed from the accident as well, police told the outlet. 

According to the police report, the three former high school teammates were in a Dodge Charger that was struck by an Infiniti that "attempted to change lanes while driving at a high rate of speed." This caused their Charger to hit another vehicle before driving off the road and hitting several tree stumps. Hazel, who was behind the wheel, and Jackson, in the passenger seat, were both pronounced dead by paramedics at the scene. Lytton was taken to a hospital, where he was later pronounced dead there. The report also states that alcohol may have been involved in the accident, with charges pending.

Following the news, fans flocked to Jackson's last Instagram post, which he shared just hours before his death, to comment and share tributes. One fan wrote, "I was just talking bout getting your jersey cuz you was responding to me on your live now this."

Khyree Jackson was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings during the fourth round of the 2024 NFL Draft in April. He was selected as a cornerback for the team, with their first preseason game set for August. The Vikings released a statement after the news of the athlete's death, which read: "We are devastated by the news of Khyree Jackson's death following an overnight car accident. [...] Our thoughts are with Khyree's family, friends, teammates and coaches, as well as all the victims of this tragic accident." Vikings Head Coach Kevin O'Connell also said, "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."

Before being drafted into the NFL, Jackson played for the University of Oregon in his senior year of college. The Oregon Ducks Head Coach Dan Lanning shared on X, formerly Twitter, "I will miss your smile. Great player better person." Prior to being a part of the Oregon Ducks, Jackson was also a member of the University of Alabama's football team from 2021 to 2022.

Jackson worked hard to get where he was, and was proud of that. After the NFL Draft, he shared on Instagram a serious of photos from his life, saying, "I guess the saying 'life is what you make it' really means exactly what it reads. I got up off my a** and took what I deserved."