Minnesota Vikings release statement following death of rookie Khyree Jackson

The Minnesota Vikings have released a statement after rookie cornerback Khyree Jackson died in an automobile accident overnight. Jackson was 24 years old.

“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,” the Vikings posted on Twitter.

Jackson played football at Alabama in 2021 and 2022, before transferring to Oregon ahead of the 2023 season. He was named first-team All-Pac-12 this past season and was drafted by the Vikings in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL Draft with the No. 108 overall pick.

In addition to Jackson, Anthony “AJ” Lytton and Isaiah Hazel also died in the car crash. Lytton and Hazel attended Dr. Henry Wise High School in Maryland with Jackson.

Lytton started his career at Florida State and then transferred to Penn State. Hazel played four years at Maryland before transferring to Charlotte for his final season in college.

Maryland State police have released details surrounding the fatal auto collision that claimed the lives of Jackson, Lytton Jr. and Hazel.

According to the report, troopers from the Forestville Barrack responded to a three-vehicle crash in the early hours of July 6 in Upper Marlboro, Maryland. The crash occurred on northbound Route 4/Pennsylvania Avenue and Presidential Parkway north of Dower House Road. The three vehicles involved were a silver Infinity Q50, a silver Chevrolet Impala and a maroon Dodge Charger.

Notably, investigators believe alcohol may have been a contributing circumstance in the crash. It’s unclear, as of this report, which parties may have been driving under the influence.

In addition to the Vikings, head coach Kevin O’Connell also released a statement about Jackson’s death.

“I am absolutely crushed by this news. 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. I am at a loss for words. My heart goes out to Khyree’s family, friends, teammates and coaches.”

Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah also released a statement about the death of Khyree Jackson:

“I am heartbroken by the loss of Khyree. As we got to know him throughout the pre-draft process, it was clear the goals Khyree wanted to accomplish both professionally and personally. 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. I’m devastated that his life and everything he had in front of him has been cut short. My thoughts are with Khyree’s family and friends, those who played with and coached him in college, and his teammates and coaches here at the Vikings.”