Vikings rookie cornerback Khyree Jackson has died in a car accident in his hometown of Upper Marlboro, Md.

The fatal crash occurred shortly after 3:14 a.m. Saturday in Prince George’s County, according to Maryland State Police, and Jackson was pronounced dead at the scene. He was in the front passenger seat of a Dodge Charger, which was struck by an Infiniti Q50 attempting to change lanes at a high rate of speed. That sent the Dodge Charger off of the right side of the roadway where it struck multiple tree stumps before coming to a stop.

The car accident also claimed the life of Jackson’s friends, Isaiah Hazel and Anthony Lytton, Jr. They were in the vehicle with him at the time, with Hazel pronounced dead at the scene and Lytton pronounced dead after being transported to a local hospital.

The driver of the Infiniti Q50 was unharmed. The preliminary investigation suggests alcohol may have played a role in the fatal crash and charges are pending.“We are deeply saddened by the news of Khyree’s passing,” Vikings owners Mark and Zygi Wilf said in a statement.

“Khyree had an extremely bright future ahead of him as a player, and it was clear he was dedicated to being a tremendous person who made a positive difference in people’s lives.”

The 24-year-old Jackson selected by the Vikings in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL Draft amid an incredible journey that spoke to his resilience as a person.

After stepping away from football as a teenager, he returned home, picked work at a local grocery store, and was actually named employee of the month before eventually returning to the game he loved. He steadily worked his way up the ranks from there and ended up at the highest level with the Vikings.

“I am absolutely crushed by this news,” Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell said in a statement. “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.”

The winding road that was Jackson’s collegiate career featured stops at Arizona Western College, Fort Scott Community College, East Mississippi Community College, the University of Alabama and, finally, the University of Oregon. He finished last season with 34 tackles, two sacks, three interceptions and seven pass break ups on his way to being named First Team All-Pac 12.

The infectious demeanor with which Jackson carried himself drew the Vikings to him throughout the predraft process. It ultimately led to them selecting him with the No. 108 pick.

“I am heartbroken by the loss of Khyree,” Vikings general manger Kwesi Adofo-Mensah said in a statement. “As we got to know him throughout the predraft process, it was clear the goals Khyree wanted to accomplish both professionally and personally. His story was one of resilience. He was taking steps to become the best version of himself not just for him, but for those who cared about and looked up to him. Khyree’s personality captured every room he was in. I’m devastated that his life and everything he had in front of him has been cut short. My thoughts are with Khyree’s family and friends, those who played with and coached him in college, and his teammates and coaches here at the Vikings.”