Tragedy strikes NFL: 2024 draft pick Khyree Jackson dies in car crash

Khyree Jackson, the Minnesota Vikings' rookie cornerback was set to make his debut this fall.

Khyree Jackson, a 2024 NFL draftee, died in a car crash in Maryland on Saturday, July 6. He was 24 years old.

The athlete, who was set to make his NFL debut this fall as the Minnesota Vikings' rookie cornerback, died in a "triple fatal car crash" in his home state of Maryland. Two of Jackson's former teammates at Dr. Henry A. Wise Jr. High School also died in the crash.

The crash involved three vehicles, including a Dodge Charger driven by Isaiah Hazel, a Chevrolet Impala, and a silver Infiniti driven by Cori Clingman. Investigators believe Clingman was driving at a high rate of speed when she struck the Dodge Charger and then the Impala.

The Vikings mourned Jackson's death in an official statement, saying their thoughts were with his family, friends, teammates, and coaches. Several members of the Vikings staff also offered their condolences.

Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, the Vikings' general manager, said he was "heartbroken by the loss of Khyree." Head Coach Kevin O'Connell also shared a statement, saying he was "absolutely crushed" by the news.

Jackson's former head coach, Dan Lanning, wrote on X, "RIP Khyree… Love you. At a loss for words. I will miss your smile. Great player better person."