In a tragic turn of events, rookie cornerback for the Minnesota Vikings Kyree Jackson was killed by an alleged drunk driver in a crash in Maryland. He was only 24 years old at the time of his tragic death. Two others were killed in the early morning crash, the Maryland State Police said in their Saturday, July 6 press release on the matter.
Announcing the tragic deaths in a press release, the Maryland State Police said, “Maryland State Police are investigating a fatal crash that claimed three lives this morning in Prince George’s County. The deceased are identified as Isaiah Hazel, 23, of Upper Marlboro, Khyree Jackson, 24, of Waldorf and Anthony Lytton, Jr., 24, of Upper Marlboro. Hazel and Jackson were pronounced deceased on the scene by emergency medical service personnel. Lytton was transported to the University of Maryland Capital Region Medical Center where he was later pronounced deceased by hospital personnel.”
Continuing, the police force described how the three victims were positioned in the same Dodge sports car before the tragic crash, noting, “All three victims were occupants of a maroon Dodge Charger involved in the crash. Hazel was the driver. Jackson was the front seat passenger and Lytton was seated in the rear of the vehicle.”
The statement then provided more details on the crash and police response, noting, “Shortly after 3:14 a.m. this morning, troopers from the Forestville Barrack responded to a crash on northbound Route 4/Pennsylvania Avenue and Presidential Parkway north of Dower House Road in Upper Marlboro. The three vehicles involved in the crash were a silver Infinity Q50, a silver Chevrolet Impala and a maroon Dodge Charger.”
Continuing, they noted that the crash appears to be the fault of the other driver, providing, “The preliminary investigation indicates the driver of the silver Infiniti, later identified as Cori Clingman, 23, of Upper Marlboro, was traveling northbound on Route 4/Pennsylvania Avenue in Prince George’s County. Investigators believe Clingman attempted to change lanes while driving at a high rate of speed when she struck the Dodge Charger and then struck the Chevrolet Impala. The Charger subsequently traveled off of the right side of the roadway and struck multiple tree stumps where the vehicle came to rest.”
The police noted that the passengers and driver of the car that appears to be at fault in the crash all survived, providing, “Clingman had two other passengers in her Infinity at the time of the crash. No one was injured in her vehicle. The Chevrolet Impala was occupied solely by the driver. He was also uninjured in the crash and refused medical treatment at the scene.”
Concluding the statement, the police noted that the crash is suspected of involving a DUI, noting, “Investigators believe alcohol may have been a contributing circumstance in the crash. Charges are pending the investigation and consultation with the Prince George’s County State’s Attorney’s Office. The Maryland State Police Crash Team is leading the investigation.”
Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell, remembering Jackson in a statement, said, “I am absolutely crushed by this news.” He continued, noting Jackson’s positive attributes and apparent desire to give back to his community, “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.”
Similarly, the Vikings, in a post on X, said, “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. 💔💔💔”
Watch Jackson, in a fun video from April of 2024, just months before his death, address his fans in the UK here:
Featured image credit: screengrab from the embedded video
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