EAGAN, Minn. — A recent draft pick for the Minnesota Vikings was tragically killed in a car crash on the East Coast, sources said on Saturday.
According to a release from the Maryland State Police, officers were called to a crash that claimed the life of 24-year-old Khyree Jackson and two other people early on Saturday.
Troopers were called to a crash in Upper Marlboro Township, Maryland, just after 3:15 a.m. Three vehicles were involved.
Officials said preliminary investigations show a silver Infiniti was driving at a high rate of speed and attempting to change lanes when the driver struck the Chrager and another vehicle.
The Charger traveled off the right side of the road and struck multiple tree stumps before coming to a stop, police said. Jackson was a passenger in the front seat. He and the driver, Isaiah Hazel, 23, of Upper Marlboro, were pronounced dead at the scene. The person in the back seat, Anthony Lytton Jr., 24, of Upper Marlboro, was taken to a hospital where he was pronounced dead.
No one else was hurt in this incident.
Officials said alcohol may have been a contributing circumstance in this crash. Charges are pending, officials said.
The Minnesota Vikings released the following statement:
"We are devastated by the news of Khyree Jackson’s death following an overnight car accident. While we work to gather more information, we have spoken to Khyree’s family and offered the support of the Minnesota Vikings. We have also communicated the news to Vikings players, coaches and staff and have offered counseling for those who need emotional support. Our thoughts are with Khyree’s family, friends, teammates and coaches, as well as all the victims of this tragic accident."
Jackson's high school posted their condolences on X Saturday morning.
Oregon coach James Crepea also took to social media with a post about the crash.
The school's football program later posted:
Vikings' owners Mark and Zygi Wilf said in a statement "Khyree had an extremely bright future ahead of him as a player, and it was clear he was dedicated to being a tremendous person who made a positive difference in people’s lives," and general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah echoed their praise and said in part: "His story was one of resilience. He was taking steps to become the best version of himself not just for him, but for those who cared about and looked up to him. Khyree’s personality captured every room he was in. "
Minnesota Head Coach Kevin O'Connell said "Khyree brought a contagious energy to our facility and our team. His confidence and engaging personality immediately drew his teammates to him. 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."
Back in April, when Jackson was drafted by Minnesota, he told the Associated Press:
“I just told them I was the best corner in the draft and I thought they were probably going to be getting me for cheaper because of some of the politics that go into it,” Jackson said. “Just being honest, I felt confident in my ability, and the numbers spoke for themselves. I was in a very pass-heavy conference this year. I think I showed versus a lot of top-tier receivers and quarterbacks what I could do.”
KARE 11 will update this article as more information is made available.
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