Per multiple reports, a 2024 Minnesota Vikings draft pick died in an auto accident on Friday night. The tragedy occurred just weeks before the former Oregon standout was set to join the Vikings in training camp after signing his rookie deal.
Minnesota Vikings fourth-round draft pick died in accident
According to James Crepea with the Oregonian, the Vikings fourth-round pick died in an automobile accident that also claimed the lives of two other people:
“rookie Khyree Jackson died in an automobile accident in Maryland Friday night.
Jackson, 24, was killed along with former Dr. Henry Wise Jr. High School teammates Anthony Lytton Jr. and Isaiah Hazel, according to their high school coach DaLawn Parrish.”
The Vikings selected Jackson with the No. 108 pick in April’s draft. He signed his rookie deal on May 28.
Jackson started his college career at Fort Scott before transferring to Alabama in 2021. He transferred to Oregon for the 2023 season. He earned first-team All-Pac-12 honors for the 2023 season.
Vikings release a statement
The Vikings released a statement on Jackson’s death on their website:
We are devastated by the news of Khyree Jackson’s death following an overnight car accident. While we work to gather more information, we have spoken to Khyree’s family and offered the support of the Minnesota Vikings.
We have also communicated the news to Vikings players, coaches and staff and have offered counseling for those who need emotional support. Our thoughts are with Khyree’s family, friends, teammates and coaches, as well as all the victims of this tragic accident.
Head coach Kevin O’Connell wrote he was “crushed” by the news of Jackson’s death:
‘I am absolutely crushed by this news. 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.”
Khyree Jackson had a stellar 2023 season with Oregon Ducks
Per Oregon’s website, Jackson led the Ducks in interceptions last season with three. He recorded ten passes defended, the most for Oregon and the fourth-most in the Pac-12. He was the highest-graded defender on the Oregon defense in 2023:
“Led all Oregon defenders with an 80.5 overall grade from Pro Football Focus while earning an 89.2 pass-rush grade, 84.3 tackling grade, 82.2 run-defense grade and 77.4 coverage grade”
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