Minnesota Vikings rookie cornerback Khyree Jackson, 24, died in a car accident early Saturday morning, July 6, 2024, in Upper Marlboro, Maryland. The accident also took the lives of his former high school teammates, 24-year-old Anthony Lytton Jr. and 23-year-old Isaiah Hazel.
According to Maryland State Police, the fatal crash involved three vehicles on Route 4/Pennsylvania Avenue. Jackson was the front passenger in a maroon Dodge Charger driven by Hazel. Preliminary investigations suggest that the Charger was struck by a silver Infiniti attempting to change lanes at high speed, driven by Cori Clingman, 23.
The impact caused the Charger to veer off the road and collide with multiple tree stumps. Hazel was pronounced dead at the scene along with Jackson, while Lytton, seated in the rear, died from his injuries at the University of Maryland Capital Region Medical Center.
There were no injuries to drivers or passengers in the other two cars.
Clingman has a record of speeding violations. She has been ticketed twice for exceeding the speed limit in 55 mph zones. In 2018, she was clocked at 69 mph; in 2020, she was caught driving at 100 mph. She received a year of unsupervised probation for her first offense, but the details of her second arrest are still unknown.
Khyree Jackson was a promising athlete who was recently drafted in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL Draft. His collegiate career included two years at the University of Alabama and a standout season at the University of Oregon, where he earned first-team All-Pac-12 honors.
Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell praised Jackson’s impact, stating, “I am deeply saddened by this news. Khyree infused our facility and team with infectious energy. His confidence and engaging nature quickly connected him with his teammates. Even in our brief time together, it was clear Khyree had the potential to become an exceptional professional football player. More importantly, he was committed to being the best person for his family and those around him. I am speechless—my heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, teammates, and coaches.”
The tragic loss extends beyond the NFL community. Jackson, Hazel, and Lytton had a long history together, playing high school football at Dr. Henry A. Wise Jr. High in Maryland. Former coach DeLawn Parrish shared his grief, recalling the trio’s bond and their contributions to the team’s success.
The crash remains under investigation, with authorities indicating that alcohol may have been a contributing factor. Charges against Clingman are pending further investigation and consultation with the Prince George’s County State’s Attorney’s Office.