The Oregon Ducks family suffered a tragic loss with the death of former star cornerback and Minnesota Vikings rookie Kyrie Jackson in a car accident Friday night.
He was 24 years old.
Police said Jackson was killed in Upper Marlboro, Maryland, along with his high school teammates Isaiah Hazel and Anthony Litton Jr.
According to Maryland State Police, Jackson was a passenger in a vehicle that was struck by another vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed. All three occupants of the vehicle were killed. Two other vehicles were also involved in the crash, but no one was injured.
The report further states, “Investigators believe alcohol may have been a contributing factor in the accident.”
Following the news of his passing, Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah released a statement:
“I am heartbroken by Kyrie's passing,” Adofo-Mensah said. “As I got to know him through the pre-draft process, it became clear what goals Kyrie wanted to achieve both professionally and personally. His story was one of resilience. He was driven to become the best version of himself, not only for himself, but for those who cared and respected him. Kyrie's personality captivated every room he was in. I am devastated that his life and all that was before him was cut short. My thoughts are with Kyrie's family and friends, those he played with and coached in college, and his teammates and coaches here at the Vikings.”
University of Oregon football coach Dan Lanning took to social media Saturday morning to express his feelings about his former player.
“Rest in peace Kyrie…” Lanning said. “@Real_Khyree I love you more than words can describe. I will miss your smile. Great player and great person.”
Rest in peace, Kylie…I love you translator I am lost for words. I will miss your smile. Great player and great person.
— Dan Lanning (@CoachDanLanning) July 6, 2024
Jackson, the Vikings' eighth pick in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL Draft, came to Oregon as a transfer student and began his career at Fort Scott Community College in Kansas before transferring to East Mississippi Community College before spending two seasons with the Alabama Crimson Tide.
During his time in Tuscaloosa, Jackson appeared in 21 games.
Jackson ultimately committed to the Ducks for the 2023 season, appearing in 12 games and recording 34 tackles (five tackles for loss and two sacks), two interceptions and seven pass deflections.
In his lone season with the Ducks, Jackson was named to the All-Pac-12 first team by the coaches and was also named to the Associated Press first team All-Pac-12.
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