Khyree Jackson, 24, was killed by a fast car. He was picked up by the Minnesota Vikings in the NFL draft a few months ago, along with two of his friends.
On Saturday morning, police confirmed that Jackson, the cornerback, and Hazel, the driver, were both pronounced dead at the scene. Hazel was Jackson’s high school teammate.
An additional passenger, Anthony Lytton Jr., a teammate, was taken to the hospital but later confirmed dead as well.
It was Friday when Jackson posted a 10-slide Instagram carousel with pictures from his life, including ones of him at Vikings practice, with the caption “Mmmhmmm.”
Jackson also posted photos of himself smiling on a beach with two parrots, flexing with a lizard, and taking selfies in front of a mirror to show off his stylish clothes.
There is a picture in the post that compares “dreamers” and “doers.” In it, a group of people labeled as “dreamers” are watching a man labeled as a “doer” surf a huge wave.
Jackson indeed was a “doer.”
After graduating from Dr. Henry Wise Jr. High School, the football star started his college career at Fort Scott Community College. He worked his way up and eventually played for the Oregon Ducks and the Alabama Crimson Tide, according to TMZ.
Oregon Live said Jackson’s best season so far was 2023, which made him the Ducks’ best cornerback.
The Minnesota Vikings picked the cornerback in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL draft. He is 24 years old.
The Vikings released a statement saying, “We are devastated by the news of Khyree Jackson’s death following an overnight car accident.”
“While we investigate further, we have reached out to Khyree’s family and offered our support,” the Minnesota Vikings said.
“We have also communicated the news to Vikings players, coaches and staff and have offered counseling for those who need emotional support.”
“Our hearts are with Khyree’s family, friends, teammates, coaches, and everyone else who died in this terrible accident.”
Jackson gave the Vikings a “contagious energy,” according to coach Kevin O’Connell.
“I am broke up over this news.” “Khyree’s energy spread through our building and team,” O’Connell said in a statement.
“His teammates liked him right away because he was sure of himself and had a great personality.” Our short time together made it clear that Khyree was going to become a great professional football player. But what really impressed me was how much he wanted to be the best person he could be for his family and the people around him.
There are no words for me to say. Kudos to Khyree’s family, friends, teammates, and coaches.
At around 3 a.m. on Saturday, Jackson was riding in a Dodge Charger with two former teammates when a fast-moving Infiniti hit their car.
Police say that after being hit, the Charger went off the road to the right and hit several tree stumps.
There are also reports from the police that the Infiniti hit a Chevrolet Impala.
Everyone involved—Cori Clingman, the driver of the Infiniti, the two people in her car, and the driver of the Impala—did not get hurt.
As of now, charges have not been made.
