Minnesota Vikings rookie cornerback Khyree Jackson and two friends were killed after their car was hit by another vehicle “driving at a high rate of speed”, police in the US have said.
The fatal crash in Maryland happened shortly before 3.15am local time on Saturday.
Jackson, 24, who had been the front seat passenger of a maroon Dodge Charger when it was involved in a three-car collision, died at the scene, according to state police.
Isaiah Hazel, 23, and Anthony Lytton Jr, 24, who he was travelling with, were also killed.
The three had been high school football teammates in Maryland.
Investigators believe the driver of a silver Infiniti had “attempted to change lanes while driving at a high rate of speed” when she struck the Charger before hitting a Chevrolet Impala.
The collision forced the Charger off the road, causing it to plough into a number of tree stumps before coming to rest.
No one in the other vehicles were injured.
Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell said he was “absolutely crushed” by Jackson’s death and was “at a loss for words”.
He posted on X: “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.”
The Vikings said they were “devastated” by Jackson’s death.
The team wrote on X: “Our thoughts are with Khyree’s family, friends, teammates and coaches, as well as all the victims of this tragic accident.”
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Vikings owners Mark and Zygi Wilf said in a statement: “We are deeply saddened by the news of Khyree’s passing.
“Khyree 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 people’s lives.”
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Meanwhile, the NFL said: “The NFL family is deeply saddened and devastated by the passing of Vikings rookie Khyree Jackson.
“Our thoughts and condolences are with his family, loved ones and everybody involved in this tragic accident.”
Jackson, from Upper Marlboro, Maryland, had previously been a starting cornerback at the University of Oregon before joining the Vikings.
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Maryland governor Wes Moore said Jackson was a “true talent who touched so many lives”.
“We mourn him and the two other souls lost in this crash,” he posted on X.
Police said they believe alcohol “may have been a contributing circumstance in the crash” and that charges are pending.
