Vikings rookie cornerback Khyree Jackson killed in crash

Adam Uren | Jul 6, 2024

Feb 29, 2024; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Oregon defensive back Khyree Jackson (DB16) talks to the media during the 2024 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports / Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports

Minnesota Vikings' rookie cornerback Khyree Jackson, 24, has been tragically killed in a crash in Maryland.

Authorities in Maryland says Jackson was one of three people killed in a three-vehicle crash that was sparked by a speeding, suspected drunk-driver in Upper Marlboro Friday night.

Jackson's former head coach at the Oregon Ducks, Dan Lanning, has led the tributes, posting: "RIP Khyree… Love you at a loss for words. I will miss your smile. Great player better person."

The Minnesota Vikings confirmed Jackson's death, with their statement reading: "We are devastated by the news of Khyree Jackson’s death following an overnight car accident.

"Our thoughts are with Khyree’s family, friends, teammates and coaches, as well as all the victims of this tragic accident."

Tribute has been paid by his former high school, the Dr. Henry A. Wise High School in Upper Marlboro, where he grew up.

The Dr. Henry A. Wise Athletic Department sends condolences to the families and mourns the loss of Khyree Jackson (State Champ 2016 c/o '17) Anthony Lytton, Jr. (AJ) (State Champ 2015,16,17 c/o '18) and Isaiah Hazel (State Champ 2015, 16, 17 c/o '19). #OnceAPumaAlwaysAPuma pic.twitter.com/8SsQEgbR0G

— Wise Athletics (@WisePumaSports) July 6, 2024

The Vikings selected Jackson from Oregon with the No. 108 pick in the fourth round of this year's NFL Draft, and he was earning rave reviews based on his early performances in training camp.

He was one of the best stories of the 2024 NFL Draft, having given up football in 2017 and taking a job at a local grocery store before giving the sport another shot in 2019.

Minnesota Vikings defensive end Jonathan Greenard tweeted the following Saturday morning.

Naaaah not lil Khyree 🤦🏾‍♂️🤦🏾‍♂️🤦🏾‍♂️🤦🏾‍♂️

— Jonathan Greenard (@jongreenard7) July 6, 2024

This is a developing story.