The Maryland State Police have issued a statement detailing the tragic car accident that resulted in the deaths of Minnesota Vikings rookie Khyree Jackson, 24, and two other former collegiate football players.

Isaiah Hazel, 23, a former player for Maryland and Charlotte, and Anthony “AJ” Lytton, 24, who previously played for Penn State, also lost their lives in the crash. All three men were alumni of Dr. Henry A. Wise Jr. High School in Prince George’s County, Maryland.

The incident occurred when Hazel, driving a Dodge Charger with Jackson in the passenger seat and Lytton in the backseat, was struck by an Infinity Q50. According to investigators, the woman driving the Infinity attempted to change lanes at high speed, causing the collision.

The impact forced the Charger off the road, where it collided with multiple tree stumps. A third vehicle was also involved in the incident, but fortunately, no one in the other two cars was injured. Authorities responded to the scene at 3:14 a.m. on Saturday.

Alcohol may have been involved

Investigators suspect that alcohol may have played a role in the accident, and charges are currently pending.

Khyree Jackson, a Maryland native, had a notable football career. After attending Fort Scott Community College for a year out of high school, he enrolled at Alabama in 2021. Jackson played for the Crimson Tide for two seasons and made his only start in the 2021 National Championship game against Georgia. He later transferred to Oregon, earning First-Team All-Pac-12 honors in 2023.

The Minnesota Vikings selected Jackson in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL Draft, with the 108th overall pick.

The deaths of these young athletes have shocked and saddened their communities, with many mourning the loss of such promising talents.