Oregon releases statement after death of NFL rookie, former CB Khyree Jackson
The tributes continue to pour in after the death of NFL rookie Khyree Jackson on Saturday morning at age 24. The former Oregon star was killed in a car accident, along with two former high school teammates, in Maryland.
Jackson’s alma mater was the latest to release a statement on his death. Oregon paid tribute Saturday afternoon.
The Ducks shared a statement, along with a photo of Jackson in the white uniforms. Underneath, it said, “In loving memory of Our Teammate, Our Friend, Our Brother.”
“We mourn the loss of Khyree Jackson and all of those lost in this tragic accident,” the post read. “We are thinking of Khyree’s family, friends, and teammates during this difficult time, and he will forever be in our hearts. Rest in peace, Khyree.”
Jackson heard his name called in this year’s NFL Draft as a fourth-round pick by the Minnesota Vikings and was gearing up for his rookie season. He was coming off an impressive senior year at Oregon after transferring from Alabama, totaling 34 tackles, five tackles for loss, two sacks and three interceptions.
Ducks head coach Dan Lanning also paid tribute to Jackson after news broke of his death. He took to social media shortly after the reports came out and struggled to find the words about the situation.
“RIP Khyree,” Lanning wrote. “Love you @Real_Khyree at a loss for words. I will miss your smile. Great player better person.”
Jackson was one of three people killed in the Saturday morning crash, along with Anthony Lytton Jr. and Isaiah Hazel. Maryland Police released details of the accident Saturday afternoon, confirming it took place just after 3 a.m. ET. Police also said investigators believe alcohol “may have been a contributing circumstance in the crash.”
Hazel and Jackson were pronounced deceased on the scene. Lytton was transported to the University of Maryland Capital Region Medical Center where he was pronounced dead by the attending medical professionals.
“The preliminary investigation indicates the driver of the silver Infiniti, later identified as Cori Clingman, was traveling northbound on Route 4/Pennsylvania Avenue in Prince George’s County,” the report said. “Investigators believe Clingman attempted to change lanes while driving at a high rate of speed when she struck the Dodge Charger and then struck the Chevrolet Impala. The Charger subsequently traveled off of the right side of the roadway and struck multiple tree stumps where the vehicle came to rest.”
The Vikings also confirmed Jackson’s death, posting a tribute on social media Saturday morning. Head coach Kevin O’Connell, general manager Kewsi Adofo-Mensah and owners Mark and Zygi Wilf all released statements, as well.