NEWS AFFAIRS 7 : WHERE EVERY STORY HAS IT'S AFFAIR!
Last updated on July 9th, 2024 at 12:17 pm
The football community is mourning the tragic loss of Khyree Jackson, a young promising rookie cornerback for the Minnesota Vikings, and his high school teammates Isaiah Hazel and Anthony Lytton Jr. The three were involved in an unfortunate car crash in Prince George’s County, Maryland, early Saturday morning. This heartbreaking event has left a significant impact on their families, friends, teammates, and fans.
The Accident
The brutal crash occurred at 3:14 a.m. on Saturday. According to Maryland State Police, Jackson, 24, was in the passenger seat of a Dodge Charger driven by Hazel, 23. The Charger was hit by an Infiniti Q50 trying to change lanes quickly. This made the Charger go off the road and crash into several tree stumps.
Jackson and Hazel were pronounced dead at the scene, while Lytton, 24, was transported to a nearby hospital but later succumbed to his injuries. The driver and passengers of the Infiniti, along with the driver of a third vehicle involved, were not injured. Police suspect that alcohol may have played a role in the accident and are considering charges against the Infiniti driver.
Remembering Khyree Jackson
Khyree Jackson was a young rising star in the NFL. Drafted in the fourth round by the Minnesota Vikings, he was seen as a strong contender for a starting cornerback position. Jackson’s journey to the NFL was marked by perseverance and resilience. After graduating from Wise High School in Maryland, he spent time at three junior colleges and took two seasons away from football before joining Alabama in 2021.
Jackson’s college career was impressive, culminating in a first-team All-Pac-12 selection during his final season at Oregon. His ability to overcome challenges and his dedication to football earned him respect and admiration from coaches and teammates alike.
In a statement, Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell expressed his deep sorrow: “Khyree brought a contagious energy to our facility and our team. His confidence and engaging personality immediately drew his teammates to him. He was going to develop into a tremendous professional football player, but more impressive was his desire to become the best person he could be for his family and those around him.”
Tributes to Isaiah Hazel and Anthony Lytton Jr.
Isaiah Hazel and Anthony Lytton Jr. were also cherished members of the football community. Hazel, who played at Maryland and Charlotte, and Lytton, who played at Florida State and Penn State, were both former high school teammates of Jackson.
Maryland coach Biff Poggi and Penn State representatives shared their condolences and memories of the two players on social media. Their contributions to their respective teams and their enduring friendships with Jackson were highlighted in the tributes.
Community Reactions
The news of the tragic accident has rippled through the football community, eliciting an outpouring of grief and support. Vikings fans, teammates, and coaches have shared their condolences, reflecting on Jackson’s inspiring journey and the positive impact he had on those around him.
Dan Lanning, Oregon Ducks coach, paid tribute to Jackson on social media, recalling his dedication and talent. Jackson’s story of perseverance, from working at a grocery store to earning a spot in the NFL, has resonated with many.
Moving Forward
As the football community grapples with this tragic loss, the memories of Khyree Jackson, Isaiah Hazel, and Anthony Lytton Jr. will continue to inspire. Their dedication, perseverance, and love for the game will not be forgotten.
In honor of Jackson’s legacy, the Minnesota Vikings and his former teammates will likely organize memorial services and tributes. The lessons learned from his journey will serve as a reminder of the power of resilience and the importance of cherishing every moment.
