Shock for the Minnesota Vikings: Fourth-round pick Khyree Jackson dies in a car accident

Mourning at the Minnesota Vikings: Rookie cornerback Khyree Jackson, who was picked by the Vikings in the fourth round of the 2024 draft, has died in a car accident.

His advisor, mother and former high school coach confirmed the 24-year-old’s death. Dan Lanning, Jackson’s college head coach with the Oregon Ducks, wrote on “X”: “RIP Khyree… I love you and can’t put it into words. I will miss your smile. A great player and an even better person.”

Jackson wrote one of the most special stories at the draft. He had already stopped playing football in 2017 and then worked in a grocery store before resuming his career in 2019.

He was drafted 108th overall by the Vikings. His college career began at Fort Scott in 2019, and two years later Jackson joined the Alabama Crimson Tide. He transferred to Oregon in 2023, where his strong performances recommended him for an NFL career.

“We are extremely saddened by the news of Khyree’s passing. Khyree had a bright future ahead of him as a player and it was clear that he was destined to be a wonderful person who could make a positive difference in people’s lives,” Vikings owners Mark and Zygi Wilf said in a statement.

He has already made a good impression at Vikings training camp