Minnesota Vikings rookie cornerback Khyree Jackson tragically passed away in the early hours of Saturday morning following a fatal car accident in Prince George’s County, Maryland. He was 24 years old.

The collision, involving three vehicles, occurred shortly before 3:15 a.m., according to a press release from the state police. Jackson was seated in the front passenger seat of a maroon Dodge Charger, accompanied by Isaiah Hazel, 23, who was driving, and Anthony Lytton, 24. Jackson and Hazel succumbed to their injuries at the scene, while Lytton, transported to the hospital, was later pronounced deceased.

The incident began when a silver Infiniti traveling northbound on Route 4 attempted a high-speed lane change, striking the Charger and subsequently colliding with a Chevrolet Impala. The impact propelled the Charger off the road, where it collided with multiple tree stumps before coming to a stop.

Cori Clingman, 23, the driver of the Infiniti, and her two passengers emerged unharmed. The driver of the Impala, who declined medical treatment at the scene, also escaped injury.

Responding to the tragic news, Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell expressed profound sorrow and disbelief, describing Jackson as a dynamic presence who brought contagious energy to the team. "In our brief time together, it was clear Khyree had the potential to become an exceptional professional football player, but more importantly, he was dedicated to becoming the best person he could be for his family and those around him," O'Connell stated in a statement posted on the team's website.

The Minnesota Vikings organization echoed O'Connell's sentiments, expressing devastation over Jackson's loss and extending heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, teammates, coaches, and all affected by the heartbreaking accident.

Originally from Upper Marlboro, Maryland, Jackson excelled as a cornerback at the University of Oregon before being selected by the Vikings in the fourth round of this year's NFL draft. He shared formative years with Hazel and Lytton at Dr. Henry A. Wise Jr. High School, as acknowledged in a social media tribute from the school's athletic department.

Following the news of Jackson's untimely passing, an outpouring of tributes flooded in from various quarters. Mark and Zygi Wilf, owners of the Vikings, reflected on Jackson's bright future both on and off the field, highlighting his commitment to positively impacting the lives of others.

General manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah mourned the tragic loss of Jackson, emphasizing his journey of personal growth and the profound influence he had on everyone he encountered.

Oregon Ducks head coach Dan Lanning shared his grief on social media, remembering Jackson fondly and acknowledging his impact as both a player and a person.

The NFL community collectively mourned Jackson's passing, expressing deep sorrow over the loss of a young talent who held promise for a stellar career.

Governor Wes Moore paid tribute to Jackson as a gifted individual who touched countless lives, mourning not just his passing but also that of the two other victims involved in the accident.

Anthony Lytton, a former defensive back at Florida State University and cornerback at Pennsylvania State University, was remembered with heartfelt condolences from Penn State Football, extending sympathies to his family and all affected by the tragedy.

Isaiah Hazel, who played as a defensive back at the University of Maryland and the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, was honored by Biff Poggi, head coach for the Charlotte 49ers, who expressed deep sadness over Hazel's untimely death and extended thoughts and prayers to his grieving family.

Authorities indicated that alcohol may have played a role in the crash, with investigations ongoing and potential charges pending.

The passing of Khyree Jackson, alongside his friends Isaiah Hazel and Anthony Lytton, has left an enduring impact on their communities and the broader sports world, emphasizing the fragility of life and the profound loss felt by all who knew them.