Khyree Jackson, Minnesota Vikings' 2024 NFL Draft pick, dies aged 24

Former Oregon Ducks defensive back and current Minnesota Vikings star Khyree Jackson has tragically died aged 24 after being involved in a car crash.

TMZ has reported that Jackson died in Upper Marlboro, Maryland in the early hours of Saturday, with his mother said to have received a call about his death at 4 am.

Authorities have confirmed that the incident had involved three cars, with Jackson in a maroon Dodge Charger. Sadly the driver of the Dodge, Isaiah Hazel and backseat passenger, Anthony Lytton Jr, also both died in the crash. Jackson had been the front seat passenger.

MD State Police have stated that the preliminary investigation indicated that a woman had attempted to change lanes at high speed when she struck Jackson's vehicle before hitting another vehicle. The female driver was unharmed, as was the individual in the other vehicle. Tragically, the crash into the car that Jackson had been in forced to leave the road and hit 'multiple tree stumps'. Jackson and the driver were pronounced dead at the scene, with Lytton Jr being pronounced dead at a local hospital. It has been added that police believe alcohol may have been a 'contributing circumstance in the crash'.

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A statement from Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah read: "I am heartbroken by the loss of Khyree. His story was one of resilience. He was taking steps to become the best version of himself not just for him, but for those who cared about and looked up to him. Khyree's personality captured every room he was in.

"I'm devastated that his life and everything he had in front of him has been cut short. My thoughts are with Khyree's family and friends, those who played with and coached him in college, and his teammates and coaches here at the Vikings."

Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell said: "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. I am at a loss for words. My heart goes out to Khyree's family, friends, teammates and coaches."

Vikings rookie quarterback and fellow draft pick JJ McCarthy said in tribute: "Too much ahead of him. Rest in peace to a phenomenal athlete but more importantly a really ----- great man. See you in the next life fam."

Jackson had been a fourth-round pick in this year's NFL Draft after starring as an outside cornerback with Oregon after transferring from Alabama before joining the Vikings - where he hoped to compete for a starting spot.

The 24-year-old had an incredible story and rise to find his way on two of the best college football teams in the nation before being drafted into the NFL - working at a grocery store after initially failing to make it into college.

Jackson admitted on a podcast after being drafted that he had essentially given up on football after high school, getting a job at a grocery store being focussing on becoming an e-sports gamer.

He said: "At one point I was not even thinking about football. I had just won employee of the month at a grocery store, I wasn't even thinking about football. I had told my mum that I was about to be a grocery store worker. I played 2k a lot too, so I was trying to make it in that... but football became foggy, I would say."

He added: "Two of my close friends were both D1 players and they motivated me. When I first ended up leaving junior college - I left and just stayed at my house for six straight months. I was embarrassed to tell them and it was eating away at me."

Jackson added that he eventually found his way back into a community college, before being given a scholarship to play for Alabama - where he spent two years before transferring to Oregon and becoming the starting cornerback. He was named First Team All Pac-12 for his impressive 2023 season, with three interceptions and 34 tackles before impressing scouts with his athletic abilities at his rare size of 6-foot-4 for the cornerback position.