Khyree Jackson, an April NFL draft pick for the Minnesota Vikings, and two former high school teammates died after an overnight car crash. Jackson was 24 years old. In a statement, state police said three vehicles were involved in the fatal crash in Upper Marlboro, Maryland. Jackson, the front seat passenger in a Dodge Charger, and Isaiah Hazel, the driver, were pronounced dead at the scene, according to authorities. State police said Anthony Lytton Jr., who was sitting in the back seat, was pronounced dead at a hospital.

Investigators say the driver of a silver Infiniti “attempted to change lanes while driving at a high rate of speed when she struck the Dodge Charger” and then struck another vehicle, a Chevrolet Impala, according to the state police news release. “The Charger subsequently traveled off of the right side of the roadway and struck multiple tree stumps where the vehicle came to rest,” the statement said. Maryland State Police believe alcohol may have been a contributing factor. The police said the charges are pending the investigation and consultation with the county state’s attorney’s office.

According to a post on X from the Henry A. Wise High School athletic department, Jackson, Hazel and Lytton were teammates at the school in Upper Marlboro for several seasons. Hazel played collegiately at Maryland and Charlotte, while Lytton was on teams at Florida State, Penn State and Bowie State. Vikings owners Mark and Zygi Wiff said in a statement, “We are deeply saddened by the news of Khyree’s passing. Khyree had an extremely bright future ahead of him as a player, and it was clear he was dedicated to being a tremendous person who made a positive difference in people’s lives.” The Vikings said they have been in contact with Jackson’s family, offering support and have informed Jackson’s teammates, coaches and staff of the tragic situation.

“I am absolutely crushed by this news,” Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell said in a statement. “Khyree brought a contagious energy to our facility and our team. 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. “I am at a loss for words. My heart goes out to Khyree’s family, friends, teammates and coaches.”

Minnesota drafted the cornerback out of the University of Oregon in the fourth round of April’s draft. Jackson was a first-team All-Pac 12 player in his only season with the Ducks in 2023, starting all 12 games. In his first two collegiate seasons, Jackson played at the University of Alabama in 2021-22, appearing in 21 games with 14 total tackles. His first career start for the Crimson Tide was in the College Football Playoff National Championship game against the Georgia Bulldogs in 2022.

The Minnesota Vikings are deeply committed to honoring and supporting Jackson’s family. Coach Kevin O’Connell and General Manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah expressed their heartbreak over the 24-year-old’s death, emphasizing the impact Jackson had during his short time with the team.

The Vikings will pay the remaining $827,000 of Jackson’s guaranteed rookie contract to his estate and cover a significant portion of his funeral expenses. A considerable contingent from the team, including O’Connell, Adofo-Mensah, and several coaches, will attend Jackson’s funeral in Maryland. Additionally, the team plans to celebrate Jackson’s life in Minnesota.

Throughout the upcoming season, Vikings players will wear helmet decals, and coaches will wear pins with Jackson’s initials, KJ. The team has also decided not to assign Jackson’s No. 31 jersey number to any player in 2024. O’Connell highlighted how Jackson quickly built strong relationships within the team, leaving a notable impact. Addressing Jackson’s passing took precedence in the team’s pre-camp press conference, showcasing the organization’s dedication to valuing their members beyond football.