Minnesota Vikings rookie cornerback Khyree Jackson was killed in a car crash overnight, the team announced Saturday. He was 24.
Details of the crash were not immediately available. Jackson’s mother, Ebbony, told TMZ that her son died in his hometown of Upper Marlboro, Maryland.
Authorities in Maryland says Jackson was one of three passengers killed in a three-vehicle crash that was sparked by a speeding, suspected drunk-driver in Upper Marlboro Friday night.
Jackson, Isaiah Hazel and Anthony Lytton were driving in a maroon Dodge Charger when they collided with two other automobiles.
As TMZ reports, investigators learned that one of the other motorists in a silver Infiniti rammed into the Charger while trying to change lanes at a high rate of speed. This subsequently sent the Charger crashing into a moving Chevy Impala before barreling off the roadway into a bunch of trees where the car finally came to a stop.
Jackson’s former head coach at the Oregon Ducks, Dan Lanning, has led the tributes, posting: “RIP Khyree… Love you at a loss for words. I will miss your smile. Great player better person.”
The Minnesota Vikings confirmed Jackson’s death, with their statement reading: “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.”
Jackson played for Oregon in 2023 after spending two seasons at Alabama. The Vikings selected Jackson in the fourth round of the 2024 draft.