Grab your tissues and put the kettle on, because today we have some sorrowful news. Khyree Jackson, a bright young football prospect for the NFL, was tragically killed in a car accident early Saturday morning. Just hours before the fatal crash, Jackson posted a poignant final message on Instagram.
Police reports confirm that the 24-year-old, who had recently been picked up by the Minnesota Vikings, was with two friends when a speeding car met them in tragedy. Both Jackson and his high school teammate, Hazel, who was driving the car, were pronounced dead at the scene.
Anthony Lytton Jr., another passenger and teammate, was rushed to the hospital, only to later succumb to his injuries.
In what seems now an eerie moment of prescience, on Friday, Jackson shared a 10-slide Instagram carousel filled with snippets of his vibrant life. One minute he was all smiles on a beach with parrots, flexing with a lizard, and showing off his stylish wardrobe in a mirror selfie. His post, however, carried a cryptic caption: “Mmmhmmm.”
The standout image among his post—a metaphor for his life—showed a group labeled “dreamers” watching in awe as a single “doer” surfed an enormous wave. Jackson really was that “doer,” defying the odds to shine brightly.
TMZ reported that Jackson’s football journey began at Fort Scott Community College following his graduation from Dr. Henry Wise Jr. High School. He later played for the Oregon Ducks and the Alabama Crimson Tide, marking his territory as a rising star.
By 2023, Jackson had a monumental season, becoming the top cornerback for the Ducks. The NFL finally called his name during the fourth round of the 2024 draft, securing his place with the Minnesota Vikings.
“The news of Khyree Jackson’s death after an overnight car accident breaks our hearts,” the Vikings said in a heartfelt statement. In another display of camaraderie, the team has been in contact with Jackson’s family to provide unwavering support during this dark time.
“We’ve also shared the sad news with Vikings players, coaches, and staff, offering counseling for anyone needing emotional support,” the statement continued. “Our hearts go out to Khyree’s family, friends, teammates, coaches, and all who perished in this tragic event.”
Jackson was described as a spark of energy in the team. “His energy made others want to play,” added Vikings coach O’Connell. “His teammates instantly liked him for his self-assurance and great personality. While we were together, we all felt Khyree was destined for greatness, both as a professional football player and as a person dedicated to his family and community.”
Early Saturday morning, around 3 a.m., Jackson and his friends were in a Dodge Charger when an Infiniti came speeding out of nowhere, leading to a catastrophic collision. The Charger went off-road, colliding with several tree stumps before coming to a halt.
The Infiniti continued its destructive path, eventually hitting a Chevrolet Impala. Fortuna smiled on Cori Clingman, the driver of the Impala, and her passengers, as they emerged without a scratch, as did the Infiniti’s driver.
As of the latest reports, authorities are still investigating the incident, and no charges have been made yet.
