(CNN) โ Khyree Jackson, an NFL draft pick in April for the Minnesota Vikings, and two other people died Saturday following an overnight car crash. He was 24.
Three vehicles were involved in the fatal crash in Upper Marlboro, Maryland, state police said in a statement. Jackson, a front-seat passenger in a Dodge Charger, and the driver of that vehicle were pronounced dead at the scene, according to authorities. The third person, who was sitting in the rear seat, was pronounced dead at a hospital.
Investigators believe the driver of a silver Infiniti โattempted to change lanes while driving at a high rate of speed when she struck the Dodge Chargerโ and then struck another vehicle, a Chevrolet Impala, according to the state police news release.
โThe Charger subsequently traveled off of the right side of the roadway and struck multiple tree stumps where the vehicle came to rest,โ the statement said.
Maryland State Police believe alcohol may have been a contributing factor. Charges are pending the investigation and consultation with the county stateโs attorneyโs office, police said.
โWe are deeply saddened by the news of Khyreeโs passing,โ Vikings owners Mark and Zygi Wilf said in a statement. โKhyree had an extremely bright future ahead of him as a player, and it was clear he was dedicated to being a tremendous person who made a positive difference in peopleโs lives.โ
The Vikings said they have been in contact with Jacksonโs family, offering support and have informed Jacksonโs teammates, coaches and staff of the tragic situation.
โI am absolutely crushed by this news,โ Vikings head coach Kevin OโConnell said in a statement. โKhyree brought a contagious energy to our facility and our team. His confidence and engaging personality immediately drew his teammates to him. In our short time together, it was evident Khyree was going to develop into a tremendous professional football player, but what was more impressive was his desire to become the best person he could be for his family and those around him.
โI am at a loss for words. My heart goes out to Khyreeโs family, friends, teammates and coaches.โ
Minnesota drafted the cornerback out of the University of Oregon in the fourth round of Aprilโs draft. Jackson was a first-team All-Pac 12 player in his only season with the Ducks in 2023, starting all 12 games.
In his first two collegiate seasons, Jackson played at the University of Alabama in 2021-22, appearing in 21 games with 14 total tackles. His first career start for the Crimson Tide was in the College Football Playoff National Championship game against the Georgia Bulldogs in 2022.
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