A little more than two months since he was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings, an NFL rookie was killed in a horrifying car crash that also claimed the lives of his two high school teammates.

Expressing their grief, the Vikings say that Khyree Jackson, 24, was poised for a “tremendous professional” career as a football player and the team is “crushed” over his loss.

Keep reading to learn more about the tragic accident that cut Jackson’s life short.

On Thursday April 27, 2024 – the fourth round of the 2024 NFL Draft – the Minnesota Vikings announced it had drafted Khyree Jackson, a 6-foot-3 cornerback from the University of Oregon.

The next day, the 24-year-old player, who spent his first two collegiate seasons playing for the University of Alabama, shared a tweet with his fans, saying “Cause it get cold like Minnesota.”

The post showes photos of Jackson watching his phone on Draft Day to a video that shows the announcement.

Fans welcomed the player to the team that they say is “the best” in the league.

“Welcome to MN! We are so happy you are here!” shares one, while another writes, “Can’t wait to watch you play!!”

A third writes, “Welcome to Skol Nation Bro! Ball out!”

Sharing his pride for being part of the Vikings, Jackson next shared an image, where he’s seen in his new purple and white Vikings jersey.

“It’s growing on me,” he shares.

Crushed Charger

But Jackson won’t be on the field for kickoff at the first preseason game on August 10.

On July 6, Jackson was traveling in a Dodge Charger with two of his former high school teammates in Upper Marlboro, Maryland, the town he was born.

According to Maryland State Police, three vehicles – one carrying Jackson in the passenger seat – were involved in a fatal crash in the very early morning hours.

Police says the Charger was struck by a silver Infiniti that “attempted to change lanes while driving at a high rate of speed.” After forcing Jackson’s vehicle off the roadway and into multiple tree stumps where it finally stopped, the Infiniti – driven by 23-year-old Cori Clingman – then hit another car.

None of three passengers in Clingman’s car were injured and the driver of the third vehicle was also unharmed.

The Charger was completely crushed, instantly killing Jackson and the driver Isaiah Hazel, 23. Anthony Lytton Jr., 24, who was sitting in the rear, died shortly after in hospital.

‘Tremendous professional football player’

According to a post on X from Henry A. Wise High School athletic department, Jackson, Hazel and Lytton were teammates at the Upper Marlboro school for several seasons, and all three were state champs.

Hazel played collegiately at Maryland and Charlotte, while Lytton was on teams at Florida State, Penn State and Bowie State.

Tributes continued to pour in for Jackson, whose “life was cut short.”

Vikings owners Mark and Zygi Wilf expressed their grief in a statement: “We are deeply saddened by the news of Khyree’s passing.”

The message continues, “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.”

Adding to that, head coach Kevin O’Connell shares that he’s “absolutely crushed” by the player’s death.

“Khyree brought a contagious energy to our facility and our team…In our short time together, it was evident Khyree was going to develop into a tremendous professional football player,” O’Connell writes, adding “I am at a loss for words.”

General manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah said Jackson was “taking steps to become the best version of himself” and his “personality captured every room he was in.”

“I’m devastated that his life and everything that he had in front of him has been cut short,” Adofo-Mensah said in a statement.

And the NFL tweets, “The NFL family is deeply saddened and devasted by the passing of Vikings rookie Khyree Jackson. Our thoughts and condolences are with his family, loved ones and everybody involved in this tragic accident.

Police say it’s suspected that alcohol is a factor in the accident. Charges are pending the investigation and consultation with the county state’s attorney’s office, police said.

Please share this story and send your best wishes to everyone who’s grieving the loss of this talented young man.