Minnesota Vikings rookie guard Khyri Jackson, 24, was one of three people killed in a multi-vehicle car crash in Prince George’s County, Maryland, on Saturday morning.
The cornerback was selected by the Vikings in the fourth round of the NFL Draft last spring.
Maryland State Police said the crash also killed Isaiah Hazel, 23, and Anthony Litton Jr., 24. Social media posts show the three were teammates on a state high school championship team in Upper Marlboro.
The preliminary investigation shows another driver was attempting to change lanes when the vehicle struck the Dodge Charger driven by Hazel. State police say the Charger left the road and struck a tree trunk. Jackson was in the front passenger seat. Emergency medical personnel pronounced Hazel and Jackson dead at the scene. Litton died at the hospital.
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Investigators believe the driver of the other vehicle traveling north attempted to change lanes “at a high rate of speed” when he collided with the car driven by Hazel and the third vehicle.
No one in the second or third vehicle was injured.
The Minnesota Vikings released a statement Saturday morning saying the team was “heartbroken” by the news of the loss.
“We have spoken to Khairi’s family and offered support on behalf of the Minnesota Vikings. We have also communicated the news to Vikings players, coaches and staff and offered counseling for those who need emotional support. Our thoughts are with Khairi’s family, friends, teammates and coaches, as well as all the victims of this tragic accident.”
“I am absolutely devastated by this news,” Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell said in a statement. “Khiry brought an infectious energy to our facility and our team. His confidence and engaging personality immediately attracted his teammates to him. In the short time he spent with us, it was clear that Khiry was going to be a fine professional football player, but what was most impressive was his desire to be the best person he could be for his family and those around him. I am at a loss for words. My condolences go out to Khiry’s family, friends, teammates and coaches.”
Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah said he was “deeply saddened by the passing of Khary.”
“As we got to know him during the pre-draft process, it was clear what goals Khyri wanted to achieve professionally and personally. His story was one of resilience. He was taking steps to become the best version of himself, not only for himself, but for the people who cared about him and looked up to him. Khyri’s personality infused every room he was in. I’m gutted that his life and everything he had in front of him was lost.”
Vikings owners Mark and Zygi Wilf also released a statement Saturday morning.
“We are deeply saddened to hear of Khiry’s passing. Khiry had a very bright future as a player, and it was clear he was dedicated to becoming a great person who made a positive difference in people’s lives. We are thinking of Khiry’s family and friends, and all members of the Minnesota Vikings following this devastating loss.”
Jackson was selected by the Vikings as a fourth-round draft pick in April. He played two years at Alabama before finishing his college career with a season at Oregon. He was in the running to earn the starting cornerback job in the team’s training camp, which begins later this month in Eagan.
Jackson was selected to the All-Pac-12 first-team by the Associated Press last season when he ranked second in the conference with three interceptions. His college career began in junior college in 2019.
Hazell played college football at Maryland and Charlotte, and Litton played at Florida State and Penn State.
The trio won a state championship together at Dr. Henry A. Wise Junior High School in Maryland, prompting tributes in social media posts.
“RIP Khyri … love you,” Oregon coach Dan Lanning wrote on social media. “I have no words. I’ll miss your smile. Great player, even better person.”
