July 6, 2024, was a tragic day in Upper Marlboro, Maryland, when three brilliant young men, Khyree Jackson, a new Minnesota Vikings cornerback, and his friends and former high school football teammates Isaiah Hazel and Anthony Lytton Jr., were killed.
The accident occurred around 3:14 AM on Maryland Route 4. Clingman was driving a silver Infiniti Q50 and attempted to change lanes quickly.
In the process, Cori Clingman hit Jackson’s maroon Dodge Charger.
Vikings rookie Khyree Jackson killed in Maryland car crash that claimed the lives of 2 others
— Simo saadi🇲🇦🇵🇸🇺🇸 (@Simo7809957085) July 7, 2024
Authorities said the driver of a silver Infiniti, identified as Cori Clingman, attempted to change lanes while “driving at a high rate of speed.” pic.twitter.com/WRL79xbfL3
The Charger had Hazel and Lytton on board.
The accident’s impact pushed the Charger off the road, hitting several trees before coming to rest.
Jackson and Hazel were both declared dead at the scene, and Lytton died shortly after being admitted to the hospital.
Khyree Jackson Was Just 24 Years Old When He Lost His Life In A Fatal Accident
Born on August 11, 1999, in Washington, D.C., he initially played wide receiver at Dr. Henry A. Wise Jr. High School, where he helped his team win a state championship in 2018.
After high school, Jackson faced challenges that led him to temporarily step away from football, even working at a grocery store.
In 2019, he returned to the sport at Fort Scott Community College, switching from receiver to cornerback.
His performance caught the attention of major college programs, and he transferred to the University of Alabama, where he played for two seasons (2021-2022) under the legendary coach Nick Saban.
At Alabama, Jackson contributed particularly on defense, recording key statistics highlighting his possibility.
In 2023, Jackson transferred to the University of Oregon for his final college season.
There, he excelled as a cornerback, leading the Ducks with three interceptions and earning First-Team All-Pac-12 honors.
His impressive stats included 34 total tackles and ten passes defended, showcasing his skills in coverage and tackling.
Following his standout season at Oregon, Jackson was selected by the Minnesota Vikings in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL Draft.
Praised for his talent and promise on the field, Jackson was regarded as a star in the world of the NFL.
But tragically lost his life in a car accident on July 6, 2024, just weeks before his first training camp.
His untimely death broke the hearts of his peers and the football community as a whole.
Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell expressed sorrow over Jackson’s death, noting his energetic personality and the ability to inspire those around him.
Cori Clingman Could Face Up To 30 Years In Prison, With 10 Years For Each Victim, If Convicted
After an investigation into the accident, Cori Clingman, who was 23 at the time, was arrested on January 23, 2025.
She is being charged with severe charges such as grossly negligent vehicular manslaughter and driving under the influence of alcohol.
Prosecutors say that Clingman was drunk during the accident and was speeding when she hit Jackson’s car.
State’s Attorney Aisha Braveboy called the attack a “horrific tragedy” that never should have occurred-:
“This was a horrific tragedy that should not have occurred. This just starts, really, our fight to get justice for these three young men, their families, Wise High School, the NFL, and this entire community”
via ABC News
Clingman is held in custody and could be sentenced to up to 30 years if convicted.
The loss of Jackson, Hazel, and Lytton has affected their families, friends, and society.
The three young men were high-quality athletes with promising futures.
A candlelight vigil in their memory had several mourners give testimony to their achievement and promise.
Braveboy clearly said these were “three young men who had gotten it right in life” but were cut short.
This is a sad reminder of life’s unexpected turn due to irresponsible acts.
With the ongoing investigations and court hearings being conducted, the memories of Khyree Jackson and his friends will remain in the hearts of all those who knew them.
Their legacy will be their success on the field and the lessons of this deadly accident regarding responsibility and road safety.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Jackson was the oldest son to Raymond and Ebbony Jackson and brother to Kolston Jackson.
- The three friends, Jackson, Hazel, and Lytton, had played football together at Wise High School.
- Cori Clingman had previous charges for speeding, first caught in 2018 for driving 69 mph in a 55 mph zone.
