The NFL is mourning one of their own.
Minnesota Vikings rookie cornerback Khyree Jackson was killed in a three-vehicle crash in Upper Marlboro, Md. early July 6, less than three months after he was selected by the team in the fourth round of the league's 2024 draft. He was 24.
Maryland State Police said in a statement that the athlete had been riding in a Dodge Charger with Isaiah Hazel, 23, and Anthony Lytton Jr., 24, his former teammates from Wise Jr. High School. The latter two had also played at Florida State and Penn State, and Maryland and Charlotte, respectively, according to multiple reports.
Jackson and Hazel, the driver, were pronounced dead at the scene of the crash and Lytton died after being taken to a hospital, police said.
A preliminary investigation indicates that around 3 a.m., a female driver of an Infinity Q50 had attempted to change lanes while driving fast when she struck the car carrying the athletes and then also hit a Chevrolet Impala. The Charger subsequently traveled off the road and hit multiple tree stumps, police said.
The Infinity driver was carrying two other passengers while a man drove the Impala without anyone else inside. They were all uninjured in the crash. Investigators believe alcohol may have been a contributing circumstance in the crash, police said in their statement.
Following news of the fatal accident, the Vikings issued messages of condolences over the loss of their player.
"I am absolutely crushed by this news," the team's head coach Kevin O'Connell said in a statement. "Khyree brought a contagious energy to our facility and our team. His confidence and engaging personality immediately drew his teammates to him."
He continued, "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."