Minnesota Vikings rookie Kyrie Jackson, 24, died in a car accident in Maryland on Saturday morning, CBS News reported.
The accident reportedly happened in Upper Marlboro just after 3 a.m. Three vehicles were involved, with the driver of one of the vehicles attempting to change lanes while traveling at a high rate of speed, striking the NFL player's car and another vehicle. according to According to CBS News: authorities.
The collision appears to have caused Jackson's vehicle to run off the road and strike several tree stumps. ESPN report. (RELATED: Former NFL lineman Corey Cunningham found dead at 28)
We are heartbroken by the news that Kylie Jackson has passed away in a nighttime car accident.
Our hearts go out to Kyrie's family, friends, teammates and coaches, and all of the victims of this tragic accident.
💔💔💔 pic.twitter.com/pkgC4kQtWi
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) July 6, 2024
Two passengers in Jackson's car were also killed in the crash, but the driver of the other car was uninjured, according to the outlet, and authorities suggested alcohol may have been a factor in the accident, CBS News reported.
#NewsAlert translator An investigation is ongoing into a fatal crash that claimed the lives of three people in Prince George's County early this morning. More information can be found in the news section of the Maryland State Police website. https://t.co/mEv8MMipoA pic.twitter.com/Lx1T18pqz6
— Maryland State Police (@MDSP) July 6, 2024
“We are heartbroken by Kyrie's passing,” Minnesota Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah said. “As we got to know him through the pre-draft process, it became clear what goals Kyrie wanted to achieve both professionally and personally, and his story was one of resilience.”
Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell said in a statement that he was “devastated by this news” and praised Jackson, saying “he brings an infectious energy to our facility and team.”
“His confidence and engaging personality immediately attracted his teammates and in the short time we spent together it was clear that Kyrie would develop into a fantastic professional football player,” O'Connell added.
Jackson is from Upper Marlboro and played at the University of Alabama and the University of Oregon. The Vikings selected him with the 108th overall pick in the fourth round of the 2024 draft on April 27, 2024, according to the outlet.
