Minnesota Vikings rookie cornerback Khyree Jackson dies in car crash

Minnesota Vikings rookie cornerback Khyree Jackson has died in an automobile accident in Maryland, the team announced Saturday.

Jackson was 24 years old.

"I am absolutely crushed by this news. Khyree brought a contagious energy to our facility and our team," Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell said in a statement. "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."

The Vikings picked Jackson, who is from Upper Marlboro, Maryland, and played at Oregon, with the No. 108 pick in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL Draft.

According to the Maryland State Police , Jackson's high school teammates Isaiah Hazel, 23, and Anthony Lytton, Jr., 24, also died in the crash.

Authorities responded to the crash at 3:14 a.m. in Upper Marlboro. The three were occupants of a maroon Dodge Charger. Hazel was the driver, Jackson was the front-seat passenger, and Lytton was seated in the back of the vehicle.

Two other vehicles, a silver Infiniti and a silver Chevrolet Impala, were involved in the crash. Authorities say the driver of the Infiniti attempted to change lanes at a high rate of speed, hitting the Charger and Impala. The Charger hit multiple tree stumps, where it came to rest.

None of the four people in the other two vehicles were injured.

Authorities say they believe alcohol may have been a contributing circumstance to the crash and that charges are pending following the completion of the investigation.

Jackson began his collegiate career at Fort Scott Community College in Kansas in 2019 before transferring to Alabama and started the Crimson Tide's national championship game loss to Georgia in 2022.

Jackson finished his career at Oregon in 2023, where he had 34 tackles, with two sacks, seven pass breakups, and three interceptions, earning first-team All-Pac 12 honors.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Minnesota Vikings rookie cornerback Khyree Jackson dies in car crash