Former Oregon Duck, Minnesota Vikings rookie Khyree Jackson dies in car crash
Former Oregon defensive back and Minnesota Vikings rookie Khyree Jackson died in a car crash early Saturday morning in Maryland.
Jackson, 24, was pronounced dead at the scene by emergency personnel, according to a statement by Maryland State Police, along with former high school teammate Isaiah Hazel, 23. Anthony Lytton, 24, who was also a former high school teammate of Jackson, was transported to the University of Maryland Capital Regional Medical Center, where he was later pronounced deceased.
According to a press release, police responded to the crash in Prince George's County, which they said involved three vehicles, shortly after 3:14 a.m. Saturday.
A preliminary investigation showed the driver of a silver Infiniti was traveling northbound when they tried to change lanes while driving at a high rate of speed. According to police, the car then struck a Dodge Charger and a Chevrolet Impala.
According to police, Jackson was a passenger in the Dodge Charger driven by Hazel with Lytton in a rear seat.
The Charger went off the right side of the road and struck multiple tree stumps before coming to rest, police said.
The driver of the Infiniti had two other passengers in the car and no one was injured, police said. The driver of the Chevrolet Impala was also uninjured.
Police said alcohol may have contributed to the crash.
Charges are pending. The Maryland State Police Crash Team is leading an investigation.
After a winding journey to Oregon, which included stops at different junior colleges and a stint at Alabama, Jackson had a standout season for the Ducks last fall, playing exclusively at cornerback. He finished with 34 tackles, two sacks, and three interceptions while helping Oregon to another 12-win season. He was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in the fourth round of this spring's NFL Draft.
"RIP Khyree," Oregon football coach Dan Lanning said on X Saturday. "Love you (Khyree) at a loss for words. I will miss your smile. Great player better person."
The Oregon football X account said in a statement Saturday afternoon: "We mourn the loss of Khyree Jackson and all of those lost in this tragic accident. We are thinking of Khyree’s family, friends, and teammates during this difficult time, and he will forever be in our hearts. Rest in peace, Khyree."
Alec Dietz covers University of Oregon football, volleyball, women’s basketball and baseball for The Register-Guard. You may reach him at adietz@registerguard.com and you can follow him on X @AlecDietz.
This article originally appeared on Register-Guard: Former Duck, Minnesota Vikings rookie Khyree Jackson dies in car crash
