Early Saturday morning in Prince George’s County, Maryland, a devastating car crash took the lives of three young men, including Minnesota Vikings rookie Khyree Jackson. Jackson, 24, was one of the three victims alongside Isaiah Hazel, 23, and Anthony Lytton Jr., 24. All three men were former high school teammates, having played together on a state championship team in Upper Marlboro.
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A Promising Career Cut Short
Khyree Jackson was a cornerback selected by the Minnesota Vikings in the fourth round of the NFL draft earlier this year. He had shown immense potential and was poised to become a starting cornerback for the team. Jackson’s football journey began at junior college in 2019, followed by two years at Alabama, and he concluded his college career with a standout season at Oregon. Last season, he earned first-team All-Pac-12 honors, tying for second in the conference with three interceptions.
The Incident and Its Aftermath
According to a preliminary investigation by Maryland State Police, the crash occurred when another driver attempted to change lanes at high speed, colliding with the Dodge Charger driven by Hazel. The Charger veered off the road, hitting multiple tree trunks. Jackson, seated in the front passenger seat, and Hazel died at the scene. Lytton succumbed to his injuries at the hospital. The occupants of the second and third vehicles involved in the crash were uninjured.
Tributes and Condolences
The Minnesota Vikings expressed their deep sorrow over the loss. In a heartfelt statement, the team shared their grief and extended support to Jackson’s family. Vikings General Manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and owners Mark and Zygi Wilf also released statements, highlighting Jackson’s potential and the personal goals he was striving to achieve. They emphasized his positive impact on those around him and the tragic loss of his bright future.
Investigation and Legal Proceedings
Prosecutors are set to review evidence from the crash this week, though the complete investigation could take several months. Former military police officer and crash reconstruction expert Gregory Russell explained that gathering comprehensive evidence, including medical records and vehicle crash data, will be crucial. The investigation will determine if charges will be filed against the driver of the Infiniti Q50, identified as Cori Clingman, 23, who was uninjured along with her passengers.
Remembering the Legacy
The tragic deaths of Jackson, Hazel, and Lytton have left a deep void in their community. All three men were celebrated athletes with promising futures, having played pivotal roles in their high school’s multiple state championships under Coach DaLawn Parrish. The loss resonates deeply, not just locally but across the nation, as people mourn the untimely end of three young lives filled with potential and inspiration.
Khyree Jackson’s Instagram post in April poignantly captured the bond and mutual inspiration among the trio, highlighting the profound impact they had on each other’s lives and careers. Their legacy as athletes and as individuals will continue to inspire those who knew them and followed their journeys.
