Minnesota Vikings Rookie Killed in Accident

The NFL has once again been struck by tragedy.

We have seen numerous young players die from various health conditions since the pandemic, but this was a far different type of tragedy.

A rookie for the Minnesota Vikings reportedly died this weekend after a horrible car crash.

He’s Gone

Khyree Jackson, who is only 24 years old, is dead.

The young man was involved in a deadly car crash where several of his former teammates in high school were also killed.

Jackson was a standout player at Alabama and Oregon.

He was drafted in the 4^th round by the Minnesota Vikings, 108^th overall in the 2024 draft.

Also killed in the accident were former Maryland and UNC Charlotte player Isaiah Hazel, 23, and ex-Penn State player Anthony ‘AJ’ Lytton, 2.

All three of these players were teammates at Dr. Henry A. Wise Jr. High School in Prince George's County, Maryland.

The Maryland State Police confirmed the identities and deaths of all three players.

Police stated that Hazel was driving a Dodge Charger. Jackson was riding passenger and Lytton was in the backseat.

Hazel reportedly tried to make a lane change while driving at a very high speed when they were hit by another car.

Jackson’s car was forced off the road, hitting multiple tree stumps.

There was another car involved in the accident, but there were no reported deaths or injuries.

Authorities stated that alcohol may have been a contributing factor in the accident.

Jackson, at 24, is old for a rookie, but that was because he had dropped out of school after having initially attended Arizona Western College.

Embarrassed by the fact he had quit, he turned to school, first attending Fort Scott Community College, where he was recruited by Kansas.

He then moved over to Alabama, where he played for years, then transferred to Oregon for his final season.

His performance at Oregon warranted considerable attention by the NFL, being drafted in the 4^th round, 108 overall.

Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell had been impressed by Jackson in what he saw during camp thus far, and was clearly crushed by the loss.

He stated, "I am absolutely crushed by this news. 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."

Rest in peace, young man, a life extinguished far too young.