Minnesota Vikings rookie Khyree Jackson and 2 former Maryland high school teammates killed in 3-car crash

Upper Marlboro, MD – In a devastating turn of events, Minnesota Vikings rookie cornerback Khyree Jackson, along with two of his former high school teammates, Isaiah Hazel and Anthony Lytton Jr., lost their lives in a tragic three-car crash early Saturday morning in Upper Marlboro, Maryland. Jackson, aged 24, Hazel, 23, and Lytton, 24, were all pronounced dead following the collision, which occurred just after 3 a.m. local time.

The Maryland State Police reported that the accident involved a maroon Dodge Charger, a silver Infiniti, and a Chevrolet Impala. Jackson, Hazel, and Lytton were traveling in the Dodge Charger when the Infiniti, allegedly speeding and attempting to change lanes, collided with their vehicle. The Charger subsequently veered off the road, striking multiple tree stumps before coming to a halt. Hazel and Jackson died at the scene, while Lytton succumbed to his injuries at a nearby hospital.

Authorities have indicated that alcohol might have played a role in the crash, with investigations ongoing to determine the exact circumstances. No injuries were reported among the occupants of the Infiniti and the Impala.

The Minnesota Vikings organization expressed profound sorrow over the untimely death of Jackson, who had been drafted by the team in the fourth round of the NFL Draft earlier this year. Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell shared his grief, stating, "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."

Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah also mourned Jackson's loss, remarking, "I am heartbroken by the loss of Khyree. 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."

Jackson's journey to the NFL was marked by perseverance and talent. Originally from Upper Marlboro, Maryland, he played college football at the University of Oregon after transferring from Fort Scott Community College and spending two seasons at the University of Alabama. His stellar performance at Oregon earned him first-team All-Pac-12 honors in 2023, making him a standout cornerback and a promising NFL prospect.

Isaiah Hazel and Anthony Lytton Jr., Jackson's high school teammates, also had noteworthy football careers. Hazel played for the University of Maryland and the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, while Lytton played for Florida State University and Penn State University. The three athletes had previously won a state championship together at Dr. Henry A. Wise Jr. High School, which paid tribute to them in a heartfelt social media post.

The tragic accident has left a void in the football community, with heartfelt condolences pouring in for the families and friends of the deceased. Dan Lanning, Jackson's former coach at Oregon, expressed his sorrow on social media, writing, "RIP Khyree… Love you. At a loss for words. I will miss your smile. Great player, better person."

The Vikings organization has been providing support to Jackson's family and has informed his colleagues about the tragic incident. The NFL community, along with fans, remains in mourning, reflecting on the promising career and life cut short by this tragic event.

As investigations continue, the focus remains on honoring the memories of Jackson, Hazel, and Lytton, whose lives and careers were tragically cut short. The incident serves as a somber reminder of the fragility of life and the enduring impact of those who leave us too soon.