Minnesota Vikings rookie cornerback Khyree Jackson, 24, and two of his former high school teammates were killed in a three-car crash Saturday in Prince George’s County, Maryland.
At around 3:14 a.m., the Dodge Charger that Jackson was sitting shotgun in was struck on Maryland Route 4, state police said.
Police said Cori Clingman, 23, tried to change lanes going northbound in her Infiniti Q50 at high speed, then struck the Dodge and a Chevrolet Impala. The Dodge went off the right side of the road and hit multiple tree stumps before stopping.
First responders pronounced Jackson and driver Isaiah Hazel, 23, dead at the scene. The backseat passenger, Anthony Lytton, 24, was taken to the University of Maryland Capital Region Medical Center where he was later pronounced dead, police said.
Neither Clingman, her two passengers nor the sole occupant of the Impala were injured.
Maryland State Police investigators believe alcohol may have played a role in the crash. Charges are pending the investigation and MSP consultation with the Prince George’s County State’s Attorney’s Office.
The Vikings drafted Jackson, 24, out of the University of Oregon.
Hazel, 23, played football at the University of Maryland and the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, and Lytton, 24, played at Florida State and Penn State.
All three played in the secondary at Dr. Henry A. Wise Jr. High School in Upper Marlboro, Maryland.
Social media tributes for all three of the deceased rolled in, including from Maryland Gov. Wes Moore, who wrote that “Maryland is heartbroken over the loss of [Mr. Jackson] this morning. A graduate of Wise High School and an NFL draft pick, Khyree was a true talent who touched so many lives.”
Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell wrote, “Khyree brought a contagious energy to our facility and our team,” a sentiment seconded by Oregon coach Dan Lanning, who wrote, “I will miss your smile. Great player, better person.”
The Wise Athletic Department wrote that it “sends condolences to the families and mourns the loss of” the three men.
The Maryland football team wrote, “Our thoughts and prayers are with Isaiah’s family, loved ones and everybody involved in last night’s tragic accident,” and UNC-Charlotte head coach Biff Poggi wrote that “we are heartbroken today at the news of Isaiah Hazel’s untimely passing.”
The Penn State football team wrote that it “mourns the loss of former Nittany Lion A.J. Lytton. Our thoughts & prayers are with his family, friends, high school & all involved in the tragedy.”
• Brad Matthews can be reached at bmatthews@washingtontimes.com.