Minnesota Vikings rookie cornerback Kyrie Jackson was one of three people killed when the car he was riding in was struck by another vehicle “traveling at a high rate of speed,” according to Maryland police. He was 24 years old.
State police said in a news release that the crash happened just before 3:15 a.m. Saturday in Prince George’s County and involved a total of three vehicles.
Jackson was in the passenger seat of a maroon Dodge Charger with two other suspects, 23-year-old Isaiah Hazell and 24-year-old Anthony Litton.
Police said the driver, Hazel, and Jackson died at the scene, while Litton was taken to hospital where he was later pronounced dead.
According to a news release, the crash happened after a silver Infiniti traveling north on Route 4 attempted to change lanes. Police said the driver, identified as Cori Klingman, was “driving at a high rate of speed” and struck a Charger, then a Chevrolet Impala.
The force of the crash caused the Charger to leave the road and strike several tree stumps before coming to a stop.
Clingman, 23, and the other two passengers in the Infiniti were not injured, police said, and the driver of the Impala was also uninjured and refused medical treatment at the scene.
Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell said he was “completely devastated” and “speechless” by the news of Jackson’s death.
“Kylie brings an infectious energy to our facility and team,” O’Connell said. statement “His confidence and engaging personality immediately drew his teammates to him. In our short time together, it was clear that Kyrie was going to develop into a fantastic professional football player, but what was even more impressive was his desire to be the best person he could be for his family and those around him,” posted X.
The Vikings said they were “devastated” by his death.
“Our hearts go out to Kyrie’s family, friends, teammates and coaches, and all of the victims of this tragic accident,” the team wrote.
Jackson, a native of Upper Marlboro, Maryland, was a fourth-round selection by the Vikings in April’s NFL draft and was a starting cornerback at the University of Oregon.
Other tributes continued to pour in Saturday.
“We are deeply saddened by the news of Kyrie’s passing. Kyrie had an incredibly bright future as a player and it was clear he was committed to being an incredible person who made a positive difference in people’s lives,” Vikings owners Mark and Zygi Wilf said in a statement.
General manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah said Jackson was “taking steps to become the best version of himself” and that “his personality captivated every room he was in.”
“I am devastated that his life and everything that was before him has been cut short,” Adofo-Mensah said in a statement.
Ducks head coach Dan Lanning posted to X: “Rest in peace Kyrie… @Real_Khyree I love you. No words. I miss your smile. Great player and great person.”
“The NFL family is deeply saddened and saddened by the death of Vikings rookie Kyrie Jackson,” the NFL wrote in a statement to X. “Our thoughts and condolences are with his family, loved ones and all those involved in this tragic accident.”
Investigators said they believe alcohol may have been a factor in the crash and charges are currently being laid.
This is a developing story, please check back for updates.
