Minnesota Vikings rookie cornerback Khyree Jackson, 24, tragically lost his life in a car crash early Saturday morning in Maryland, as confirmed by police and the team. The crash, which occurred in Prince George’s County, resulted in the deaths of three individuals, including Jackson.

The Vikings released a statement expressing their devastation and noting that they had spoken to Jackson's family. "I am heartbroken by the loss of Khyree," said Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah. "During the pre-draft process, we saw Khyree's professional and personal aspirations. His story was one of resilience, and he was striving to become the best version of himself for both his own sake and for those who cared about and admired him."

Jackson was a fourth-round pick in the 2024 NFL draft. He played two years at Alabama before finishing his college career with one season at Oregon, where he started at cornerback.

Oregon head football coach Dan Lanning honored Jackson on social media, writing, "I will miss your smile. Great player, better person."

Jackson had been vying for a starting cornerback position at the team's training camp, which opens later this month in Eagan, Minnesota. Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell expressed his sorrow in a statement: "I am at a loss for words. My heart goes out to Khyree’s family, friends, teammates, and coaches."

According to police, Jackson died at the scene of the crash. The other victims were Isaiah Hazel, 23, and Anthony Lytton, Jr., 24. Hazel played college football at Maryland and Charlotte, while Lytton played at Florida State and Penn State. The three had previously won state championships together at Dr. Henry A. Wise Jr. High School in Maryland.

The crash occurred while the three were in the same vehicle, with Hazel driving and Jackson and Lytton as passengers. Investigators believe the driver of a second vehicle traveling north attempted to change lanes "at a high rate of speed," striking Hazel's car and a third vehicle. No one in the second or third vehicles was injured.

Investigators suspect that alcohol may have been a contributing factor in the crash, and charges are pending further investigation and consultation with the Prince George’s County State’s Attorney’s Office.