Minnesota Vikings rookie Khyree Jackson, 24, was certainly one of three males killed in a automotive crash that concerned a number of autos in Prince George’s County, Maryland early Saturday morning.
The cornerback was chosen by the Vikings within the fourth spherical of the NFL draft this previous spring.
The Maryland State Police stated Isaiah Hazel, 23 and Anthony Lytton, Jr., 24, have been additionally killed within the crash. A social media publish signifies the three have been teammates on a state highschool championship group in Higher Marlboro.
A preliminary investigation signifies one other driver was making an attempt to alter lanes when the car struck the Dodge Charger pushed by Hazel. The state police say the Charger went off the street and struck tree trunks. Jackson was within the entrance passenger seat. Hazel and Jackson have been pronounced lifeless on the scene by emergency medical personnel. Lytton died at a hospital.
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Investigators imagine the motive force of a second car touring north tried to alter lanes “at a excessive fee of velocity” when it collided with the automotive pushed by Hazel and a 3rd car.
No one was injured within the second or third autos.
The Minnesota Vikings launched a press release Saturday morning saying the group is “devastated” by information of the loss.
“Now we have spoken to Khyree’s household and provided the assist of the Minnesota Vikings. Now we have additionally communicated the information to Vikings gamers, coaches and workers and have provided counseling for many who want emotional assist. Our ideas are with Khyree’s household, associates, teammates and coaches, in addition to all of the victims of this tragic accident.
“I’m completely crushed by this information.” stated Vikings Head Coach Kevin O’Connell in a press release. “Khyree introduced a contagious power to our facility and our group. His confidence and fascinating character instantly drew his teammates to him. In our quick time collectively, it was evident Khyree was going to become an amazing skilled soccer participant, however what was extra spectacular was his want to change into the perfect individual he may very well be for his household and people round him. I’m perplexed. My coronary heart goes out to Khyree’s household, associates, teammates and coaches.”
Vikings Normal Supervisor Kwesi Adofo-Mensah stated he was “heartbroken by the lack of Khyree.”
“As we obtained to know him all through the pre-draft course of, it was clear the targets Khyree wished to perform each professionally and personally. His story was certainly one of resilience. He was taking steps to change into the perfect model of himself not only for him, however for many who cared about and appeared as much as him. Khyree’s character captured each room he was in. I’m devastated that his life and the whole lot he had in entrance of him has been lower quick.”
Vikings Homeowners Mark and Zygi Wilf additionally launched a press release Saturday morning.
“We’re deeply saddened by the information of Khyree’s passing. Khyree had an especially vivid future forward of him as a participant, and it was clear he was devoted to being an amazing one who made a optimistic distinction in individuals’s lives. We’re fascinated with Khyree’s household and associates and all members of the Minnesota Vikings following this devastating loss.”
Jackson was a fourth-round draft decide by the Vikings in April. He performed two years at Alabama earlier than ending his school profession with one season at Oregon. He was within the operating to earn a beginning cornerback job on the group’s coaching camp, which opens later this month in Eagan.
Jackson was a first-team All-Pac-12 choice by The Related Press final season after tying for second within the convention with three interceptions. His school profession started in junior school in 2019.
Hazel performed school soccer at Maryland and Charlotte, and Lytton performed at Florida State and Penn State.
The three received a state championship collectively at Maryland’s Dr. Henry A. Smart Jr. Excessive College, which paid tribute to them in a social media publish.
“RIP Khyree… Love you,” Oregon coach Dan Lanning posted on social media. “Confused. I’ll miss your smile. Nice participant, higher individual.”