Minnesota Vikings rookie Khyree Jackson, 24, was one in every of three males killed in a automotive crash that concerned a number of automobiles in Prince George’s County, Maryland early Saturday morning.

The cornerback was chosen by the Vikings within the fourth spherical of the NFL draft this previous spring.

The Maryland State Police mentioned Isaiah Hazel, 23 and Anthony Lytton, Jr., 24, have been additionally killed within the crash. A social media submit signifies the three have been teammates on a state highschool championship group in Higher Marlboro.

A preliminary investigation signifies one other driver was trying to alter lanes when the automobile struck the Dodge Charger pushed by Hazel. The state police say the Charger went off the highway and struck tree trunks. Jackson was within the entrance passenger seat. Hazel and Jackson have been pronounced useless on the scene by emergency medical personnel. Lytton died at a hospital.

Investigators imagine the motive force of a second automobile touring north tried to alter lanes “at a excessive fee of velocity” when it collided with the automotive pushed by Hazel and a 3rd automobile.

No person was injured within the second or third automobiles.

The Minnesota Vikings launched a press release Saturday morning saying the group is “devastated” by information of the loss.

“We’ve got spoken to Khyree’s household and supplied the assist of the Minnesota Vikings. We’ve got additionally communicated the information to Vikings gamers, coaches and employees and have supplied counseling for individuals who want emotional assist. Our ideas are with Khyree’s household, buddies, teammates and coaches, in addition to all of the victims of this tragic accident.

“I’m completely crushed by this information.” mentioned Vikings Head Coach Kevin O’Connell in a press release. “Khyree introduced a contagious vitality to our facility and our group. His confidence and interesting persona instantly drew his teammates to him. In our quick time collectively, it was evident Khyree was going to turn into an amazing skilled soccer participant, however what was extra spectacular was his need to develop into the very best individual he could possibly be for his household and people round him. I’m confused. My coronary heart goes out to Khyree’s household, buddies, teammates and coaches.”

Vikings Normal Supervisor Kwesi Adofo-Mensah mentioned he was “heartbroken by the lack of Khyree.”

“As we obtained to know him all through the pre-draft course of, it was clear the objectives Khyree wished to perform each professionally and personally. His story was one in every of resilience. He was taking steps to develop into the very best model of himself not only for him, however for individuals who cared about and appeared as much as him. Khyree’s persona captured each room he was in. I’m devastated that his life and all the things he had in entrance of him has been reduce quick.”

Vikings House owners Mark and Zygi Wilf additionally launched a press release Saturday morning.

“We’re deeply saddened by the information of Khyree’s passing. Khyree had an especially vivid future forward of him as a participant, and it was clear he was devoted to being an amazing one who made a constructive distinction in individuals’s lives. We’re desirous about Khyree’s household and buddies and all members of the Minnesota Vikings following this devastating loss.”

Jackson was a fourth-round draft choose by the Vikings in April. He performed two years at Alabama earlier than ending his school profession with one season at Oregon. He was within the working to earn a beginning cornerback job on the group’s coaching camp, which opens later this month in Eagan.

Jackson was a first-team All-Pac-12 choice by The Related Press final season after tying for second within the convention with three interceptions. His school profession started in junior school in 2019.

Hazel performed school soccer at Maryland and Charlotte, and Lytton performed at Florida State and Penn State.

The three received a state championship collectively at Maryland’s Dr. Henry A. Smart Jr. Excessive Faculty, which paid tribute to them in a social media submit.

“RIP Khyree… Love you,” Oregon coach Dan Lanning posted on social media. “Confused. I’ll miss your smile. Nice participant, higher individual.”