Who was Khyree Jackson? What we know about Vikings rookie killed in 2024 Maryland crash 

24-year-old Khyree Jackson had just been drafted as a rookie cornerback by the Minnesota Vikings just months back when he tragically lost his life in a car crash on July 6, 2024.

Cori Clingman, the alleged driver who caused the crash has been charged with 13 counts including negligent manslaughter and negligent homicide due to drinking and driving on January 23, 2025.

As the case has once again gained momentum because of the recent charges let's take a look at all we know about Khyree Jackson.

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More about the life of Khyree Jackson

Khyree Jackson, son of Raymond and Ebbony Jackson, was born on August 11, 1999, in Washington, DC. He began high school at Springbrook High School and later transferred to Dr. Henry Wise High School, where he formed lifelong friendships with teammates that eventually became like a family.

Following high school, Khyree pursued his interesting journey through three different junior colleges (JUCOs) in Arizona, Kansas, and Mississippi while pursuing his Associate's Degree from East Mississippi and a Bachelor's Degree at the University of Alabama. Khyree then transferred to the University of Oregon for his final college football season where he thrived with the Oregon Ducks.

Khyree Jackson had long dreamed of becoming an NFL player - a goal he achieved when he was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings on April 27, 2024.

(Via @vikings on YouTube)

His legacy was honored upon his untimely death by the Vikings and the football community. Members of the Vikings organization including General Manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, Head Coach Kevin O'Connell, and various coaches attended his service. The team generously contributed over $20,000 toward his funeral expenses and ensured that the remaining balance of his signing bonus was paid to his estate.

(Via @ESPNNFL on YouTube)

The Minnesota Vikings posted about Khyree Jackson on their X. They wrote:

"We are devastated by the news of Khyree Jackson’s death following an overnight car accident. Our thoughts are with Khyree’s family, friends, teammates and coaches, as well as all the victims of this tragic accident."

The head coach of the Minnesota Vikings Kevin O'Connell addressed his tragic passing in a statement:

"Khyree 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." (via @vikings on X)

For Khyree Jackson, the Vikings honored the 2024 season by not assigning a player to wear his No. 31 jersey or go near his locker. His initials were worn by every player on striped decals on their helmets with coaches and staff wearing pins in his remembrance. The practice field for the Vikings had stenciling dedicated to his memory.