Upper Marlboro, Maryland — Vikings rookie cornerback Kyrie Jackson died in a car accident Saturday morning in Maryland, according to police and the team.
According to Maryland State Police, Jackson, 24, was one of three people killed in an overnight crash involving three vehicles in Prince George's County.
The Vikings released a statement saying the team had spoken with Jackson's family and was “devastated by this news.”
“We are heartbroken by Kyrie's passing,” Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah said in a statement. “As we got to know him through the pre-draft process, it became clear to us the goals Kyrie wanted to achieve both professionally and personally. His story is one of resilience — he took each step to become the best version of himself, not only for himself, but for those who cared about and respected him.”
Jackson was a fourth-round pick by the Vikings in the 2024 NFL Draft. He played two years at Alabama before finishing his collegiate career with one season at Oregon.
Jackson was expected to compete for the starting cornerback spot when the team's training camp begins later this month in Eagan, Minnesota.
“I'm at a loss for words. My heartfelt condolences go out to Kyrie's family, friends, teammates and coaching staff,” Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell said in a statement.
University of Oregon cornerback Kyrie Jackson participates in position drills during the school's NFL Pro Day, Tuesday, March 12, 2024, in Eugene, Oregon.
AP Photo/Amanda Roman
Police said Jackson died at the scene. The other victims were Isaiah Hazel, 23, and Anthony Litton Jr., 24.
Hazel played college football at the University of Maryland, while Litton played at Florida State and Penn State.
The three won a state championship together at Dr. Henry A. Wise Middle School in Maryland, according to On3.com.
They were in the same car at the time of the crash, with Hazel driving and Jackson and Litton as passengers, police said.
Investigators believe the driver of a second vehicle traveling northbound attempted to change lanes “at a high rate of speed,” striking the car driven by Hazell and a third vehicle.
There were no injuries in the second and third vehicles.
Investigators say alcohol may have been a contributing factor in the crash, and charges will be filed pending “investigation and consultation with the Prince George's County State's Attorney's Office.”
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