(Reuters) – Minnesota Vikings rookie Khyree Jackson and two of his former highschool soccer teammates had been killed in a automobile crash early on Saturday morning, Maryland State Police stated.
Jackson, 24, and Isaiah Hazel, 23, had been pronounced useless on the scene of the crash in Prince George’s County whereas Anthony Lytton, Jr., 24, was taken to hospital the place he was pronounced useless.
“We’re devastated by the information of Khyree Jackson’s demise following an in a single day automobile accident,” the Vikings stated in an announcement.
“Our ideas are with Khyree’s household, mates, teammates and coaches, in addition to all of the victims of this tragic accident.”
Hazel was driving, Jackson was within the entrance seat and Lytton was within the rear of a Dodge Charger when it was struck by an Infiniti Q50 that was trying to alter lanes whereas driving at excessive pace, based on a preliminary police investigation.
Jackson, a cornerback, performed school soccer at Alabama and Oregon earlier than being chosen by the Vikings within the fourth spherical of the 2024 NFL Draft.
Jackson, Hazel and Lytton performed highschool soccer collectively in Maryland earlier than happening to play in school.
“I’m completely crushed by this information,” Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell stated.
“Khyree introduced a contagious vitality to our facility and our workforce. His confidence and interesting character instantly drew his teammates to him.
“In our quick time collectively, it was evident Khyree was going to grow to be an incredible skilled soccer participant, however what was extra spectacular was his want to develop into the most effective particular person he could possibly be for his household and people round him.”
“I’m confused. My coronary heart goes out to Khyree’s household, mates, teammates and coaches.”