The Minnesota Vikings and the broader NFL community are mourning the tragic loss of rookie cornerback Khyree Jackson, who died in a car accident in Maryland on July 6, 2024. Jackson, 24, was among three fatalities in the crash, alongside his high school teammates Anthony Lytton Jr. and Isaiah Hazel.
The accident occurred around 3:14 a.m. on Route 4 in Upper Marlboro, Maryland. According to Maryland State Police,
Hazel was driving a Dodge Charger with Jackson as the front passenger and
Lytton in the rear seat. The Charger was struck by an Infiniti Q50 attempting a
high-speed lane change, causing the Charger to veer off the road and collide
with multiple tree stumps. Jackson and Hazel were pronounced dead at the
scene, while Lytton succumbed to his injuries at a local hospital. Authorities
indicated that alcohol might have been a contributing factor in the crash.
Khyree Jackson’s journey to the NFL was marked by resilience and determination.
After graduating from Dr. Henry A. Wise Jr. High School in 2017, he faced
academic challenges that led him to step away from football temporarily. During
this period, Jackson worked at a grocery store deli and a Chipotle restaurant. His
passion for football reignited, leading him through multiple junior colleges
before earning opportunities at the University of Alabama and the
University of Oregon. His standout performances at Oregon culminated in
his selection by the Minnesota Vikings in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL Draft.
The Vikings organization expressed profound sorrow over Jackson’s untimely
passing. Head Coach Kevin O’Connell remarked, “Khyree brought a contagious
energy to our facility and our team. His confidence and engaging personality
immediately drew his teammates to him.” General Manager Kwesi Adofo-
Mensah added, “Khyree’s personality captured every room he was in. I’m
devastated that his life and everything he had in front of him has been cut short.”
In honor of Jackson’s memory, the Vikings have dedicated the remainder of
their season to him, with players and coaches paying tribute through various
gestures, including helmet decals bearing his initials. The team continues to offer
support to Jackson’s family and all those affected by this tragedy.
The loss of Khyree Jackson serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the profound impact one individual
can have on a community. His legacy of perseverance and dedication will
continue to inspire both his teammates and aspiring athletes nationwide.
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