A football prospect for the NFL, who tragically died in a car accident on Saturday morning, wrote a poignant final post just hours before his death.
Police report that a speeding car claimed the lives of 24-year-old Khyree Jackson and two of his friends. Jackson had recently been drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in the NFL.
Early Saturday morning, police confirmed that both Jackson, the cornerback, and Hazel, the driver and Jackson’s high school teammate, were pronounced dead at the scene.
Anthony Lytton Jr., another passenger and teammate, was rushed to the hospital but was later pronounced dead as well.
On Friday, Jackson shared a 10-slide Instagram carousel featuring moments from his life, including pictures from Vikings practice, with the caption “Mmmhmmm.”
Jackson’s post also included photos of him smiling on a beach with two parrots, flexing with a lizard, and taking selfies in front of a mirror to showcase his stylish attire.
One of the images compared “dreamers” and “doers,” showing a group labeled as “dreamers” watching a man labeled as a “doer” surfing a huge wave. Jackson was truly a “doer.”
According to TMZ, the football star began his college career at Fort Scott Community College after graduating from Dr. Henry Wise Jr. High School. He then advanced to play for the Oregon Ducks and the Alabama Crimson Tide.
Oregon Live reported that Jackson’s standout season was in 2023, establishing him as the best cornerback for the Ducks. He was selected in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL draft by the Vikings.
“The news of Khyree Jackson’s death after an overnight car accident breaks our hearts,” the Vikings said in a statement. “The Minnesota Vikings have spoken with Khyree’s family and offered their support while we investigate further. We have also communicated the news to Vikings players, coaches, and staff, offering counseling for those who need emotional support. Our hearts go out to Khyree’s family, friends, teammates, coaches, and everyone affected by this tragic accident.”
Jackson had a “contagious energy” that inspired his teammates. “The news of this breaks my heart,” said coach O’Connell. “Khyree’s energy spread through our building and team. His teammates liked him immediately due to his confidence and great personality. It was clear that Khyree was on the path to becoming a great professional football player. What truly impressed me was his dedication to being the best person he could be for his family and those around him.
“I am at a loss for words. My thoughts and prayers are with Khyree’s family, friends, teammates, and coaches.”
Around 3 a.m. Saturday, Jackson was riding in a Dodge Charger with two former teammates when a fast-moving Infiniti collided with them. According to police, the Charger veered off the road, hitting several tree stumps. The Infiniti also struck a Chevrolet Impala. The driver of the Impala, Cori Clingman, and her two passengers were unharmed, as was the driver of the Infiniti. No charges have been filed yet, pending the investigation.