UPPER MARLBORO, Maryland (AP) — Minnesota Vikings rookie cornerback Khyree Jackson and two of his former high school teammates died in a car crash Saturday morning in Maryland, police and the team said.
Jackson, 24, and Isaiah Hazel died at the scene of the three-car crash in Prince George’s County, while Anthony Litton Jr. was pronounced dead at a hospital, according to Maryland State Police. Litton was 24 and Hazel was 23.
Police said the three people were travelling in the same vehicle about 3 a.m. when it was hit by another vehicle changing lanes at a high speed.
The Vikings released a statement saying the team has spoken with Jackson’s family and that they are “shocked by the news.”
“I am deeply saddened to see Khiry leave,” Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah said. “As we got to know him during the pre-draft process, it was clear what goals Khiry 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 those who cared about him and looked up to him.”
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.
Jackson was in the running to earn the starting cornerback job in the team’s training camp, which begins later this month in Eagan, Minnesota.
“I am absolutely devastated by this news,” Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell said. “Khari brought an infectious energy to our facility and our team. His confidence and engaging personality immediately attracted his teammates to him.”
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.
Hazel was driving, and Jackson and Litton were riding in a Dodge Charger, which went off the road after the collision and struck several tree trunks, police said.
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.
Investigators say alcohol may have been a factor in the crash and charges could be filed in that regard.
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 2019 at junior college.
“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.”
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