Khyree Jackson was just months away from fulfilling his childhood dream of being an NFL player for the Minnesota Vikings. But the 24-year-old’s dream vanished when he and two high school teammates were killed in a July 6 car accident near their hometown of Upper Marlboro, Md.
Jackson, Isaiah Hazel, 23, and Anthony “A.J.” Lytton Jr., 24, died after an Infiniti Q50 driven by 23-year-old Cori Clingman pushed Hazel’s Dodge Charger off the road and into tree stumps. The Infinity also struck a Chevrolet Impala, but police said no one in either car was killed.
“Investigators believe Clingman attempted to change lanes while driving at a high rate of speed,” according to Maryland State Police, and that alcohol might have been a contributing factor.
There remain no charges connected to the accident as of this week, according to SI.com.
Vikings Head Coach Kevin O’Connell said in a statement that he was “absolutely crushed” by the tragedy. Minnesota selected Jackson with the 108th pick in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL draft.
“Khyree brought a contagious energy to our facility and our team,” O’Connell said. “His confidence and engaging personality immediately drew his teammates to him.”
“In our short time together, it was evident Khyree was going to develop into a tremendous professional football player, but what was more impressive was his desire to become the best person he could be for his family and those around him.”
A candlelight vigil for the men was held last week at Dr. Henry A. Wise Jr. High School in Upper Marlboro, where all three men were state champions. Their coach, Robert Parrish, described a moment where he saw the three together enjoying life while celebrating his coaching achievements.
“To see them all in the building and communicating, laughing, we were all sharing stories,” Parrish said. “That’s the part that’s kind of hard. I will not be able to share stories with them and talk, but I’m sure they’re in a better place.”
Jackson went from playing in community college to the University of Alabama. He was also an all-conference cornerback and the team leader in interceptions during his first year with the Oregon Ducks.
Lytton was a cornerback at Florida State and Penn State before being recently listed on the 2023 roster as a redshirt senior at Bowie State University. Hazel played college ball at the University of Charlotte in 2023. “He was on his way to try out for the Canadian Football League,” his sister said.
“I am at a loss for words,” Vikings Coach O’Connell said. “My heart goes out to Khyree’s family, friends, teammates and coaches.”
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Branson Brooks, a journalist based in Washington, D.C., specializes in sports.