Coaches, Friends Note Loss Of Vikings' Khyree Jackson, 2 Maryland High School Teammates

PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY, MD — Coaches, schools and others have expressed their sorrow after learning about the death of three high school football teammates from Prince George's County, one of whom was newly drafted Minnesota Vikings rookie cornerback Khyree Jackson.

While former teammates and school officials at the high school, collegiate and professional level mourn the lives lost, prosecutors are awaiting results of a blood alcohol test to determine if the driver of the vehicle that hit the Dodge Charger Jackson and his friends were in was impaired.

Jackson was a passenger in a vehicle driven by Isaiah Hazel, 23, of Upper Marlboro who died in the crash, along with a second passenger identified as Anthony Lytton Jr., 24, of Upper Marlboro, who was taken to a nearby hospital where he later died. A small tribute at the crash site near Joint Base Andrews in Prince George’s County honors the trio; a Minnesota Vikings hat sits on a tree stump, media reports said.

Jackson was chosen by the Vikings in the fourth round of the 2024 draft and was considered a contender to start at cornerback, according to ESPN. He played his final season of college football at Oregon.

"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," Vikings Head Coach Kevin O'Connell said in a statement on X, formerly Twitter. "I am at a loss for words. My heart goes out to Khyree's family, friends, teammates and coaches."

All three were teammates at Dr. Henry A. Wise Jr. High School in Upper Marlboro. The Wise athletic department put out a statement on X that read, “The Dr. Henry A. Wise Athletic Department sends condolences to the families and mourns the loss of Khyree Jackson (State Champ 2016 c/o’17) Anthony Lytton, Jr. (AJ) (State Champ 2015,16,17 c/o ’18) and Isaiah Hazel (State Champ 2015, 16, 17 c/o ’19). #OnceAPumaAlwaysAPuma.”

Police say alcohol may have been a factor in the crash, but they did not elaborate.

Multiple family members told WUSA9 that the driver of the vehicle that collided with the three victims' car is a long-time friend of the three men.

In a statement to WUSA9, the Prince George's County State's Attorney's Office said they will continue to work with Maryland State Police adding, "We only have initial reports which do not include the BAC which has to be developed from the medical records in this case. We have not yet received those yet. There is a need for more information about what exactly happened to collect sufficient evidence. An early evidentiary review has been scheduled for this week."

The three men's high school football coach, LaDawn Parrish, spoke with WUSA9 about the loss of the trio.

"All of those young men were tight ... [they] played together," Parrish said. "It's amazing that they went three separate ways in terms of going to college and playing football, but were still always together when they came back home in the summertime. We are all sort of at a loss and you try to get facts from what you think happened and try to know from different reports, but in the end, what you do know is that we lost three young men. That’s final.”

The players were part of the Puma’s 2016 state championship team.

"I love them, and I wish I could say it to them one more time,” Steve Rapp, who coached the three at Wise High School as an assistant, told WBAL. “We stand by ‘Once a Puma always a Puma.’ Look, man, the legacy of those guys is going to live on forever."

Prince George's County Schools released a statement Saturday evening.

"PGCPS mourns the loss of Dr. Henry A. Wise High School alumni Khyree Jackson (Class of 2017), Anthony Lytton, Jr. (AJ) (Class of 2018) and Isaiah Hazel (Class of 2019)," the statement reads. "Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with their families during this difficult time."

University of Maryland's football program released a statement on X, the site formerly known as Twitter, that read, “The Maryland Football family mourns the passing of former Terp, Isaiah Hazel. Our thoughts and prayers are with Isaiah’s family, loved ones and everybody involved in last night's tragic accident.”

Maryland's coach Michael Locksley said his heart is broken and that Hazel was one of his first recruits after taking over the Terrapins.

"My heart breaks to learn of this tragedy. All three were state champions at Wise HS and made everyone in this state extremely proud. Isaiah was the first recruit to commit to the Terps when I took over and gave his all to this program. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of their families during this extremely difficult time," Locksley posted on X.

“I am heartbroken by the loss of Khyree,” Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah said in a statement. “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.”

"We are deeply saddened by the news of Khyree's passing. 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. We are thinking about Khyree's family and friends, and all members of the Minnesota Vikings following this devastating loss," said Vikings owners Mark and Zygi Wilf.

The University of Oregon football program said, "We mourn the loss of Khyree Jackson and all of those lost in this tragic accident. 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."

“RIP Khyree… Love you,” Oregon coach Dan Lanning posted on social media. “At a loss for words. I will miss your smile. Great player, better person.”

Lytton transferred to Bowie State before the start of the 2023 season after spending a year at Penn State and two years at Florida State, respectively.

"We mourn the loss of AJ Lytton, Jr., and all of those lost in this tragic accident," said Bowie State University Vice President of Intercollegiate Athletics and Recreation Clyde Doughty, Jr. "We are thinking of AJ's family, friends and his teammates during this difficult time. AJ's name will live on in our hearts."

Lytton was set to graduate in December with a degree in sports management.

"Anthony 'AJ' Lytton, Jr., will truly be missed," added BSU head football coach Kyle Jackson. "He was a bright spot for the Bowie State football program. AJ was a great football player, but an even better young man. I would like to send our deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of AJ Lytton, Jr., Isaiah Hazel and Khyree Jackson."

Penn State's football team honored Lytton, saying, "The Penn State football family mourns the loss of former Lion A.J. Lytton. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, high school and all involved."

According to Maryland State Police, the crash happened shortly before 3:15 a.m. on northbound Route 4 and Presidential Parkway near Dower House Road in Upper Marlboro. Police said a silver Infiniti was traveling north on Route 4 when the driver, 23-year-old Cori Clingman, attempted to change lanes while traveling at a high rate of speed. According to police, she struck a Dodge Charger occupied by Jackson and two others before also hitting a Chevrolet Impala. Following the collision, the Charger traveled off the road and hit multiple tree stumps before stopping, police said. Jackson was pronounced dead at the scene, according to Maryland State Police.

The driver of the Infiniti and two passengers were not injured, police said. Clingman also was uninjured.

Related: Vikings Rookie Khyree Jackson Killed In Maryland Car Crash