Kevin O’Connell and the football world are “heartbroken” over the death of Khyree Jackson

The death of Khyree Jackson, the Vikings’ fourth-round draft pick, shocked and saddened the football world on Saturday.

Jackson, a 24-year-old graduate of the University of Oregon, was one of three victims killed in a car crash in Maryland on Saturday morning.

Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell said in a post on X that the cornerback’s death left him “heartbroken.”

“I am absolutely devastated by this news. Khyree brought a contagious energy to our facility and our team. His confidence and engaging personality immediately attracted his teammates,” O’Connell added in a statement released through the Vikings. “In our short time together, it was obvious that Khyree would develop into a great professional football player, but even more impressive was his desire to become the best person he could be for his family and those around him.”

“I am at a loss for words. My condolences go out to Khyree’s family, friends, teammates and coaches.”

Jackson shined in his only season at Oregon in 2023, earning first-team All-Pac 12 honors, but it was his “smile” that caught Ducks head coach Dan Lanning’s eye.

“RIP Khyree… I love you @Real_Khyree I’m at a loss for words. I will miss your smile. Great player, better person,” Lanning wrote in a heartfelt message on X.

Jackson had previously played two seasons for Alabama, which also issued a statement about his death.

“Alabama mourns the loss of former student-athlete Khyree Jackson. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends,” the school wrote on X.

The other two victims, Anthony Lytton Jr., 24, and Isaiah Hazel, 23, were former college football players and teammates of Jackson at Dr. Henry A. Wise Jr. High School in Upper Marlboro, Maryland.

Lytton, a cornerback, played for both Florida State (2018-19) and Penn State (2021), while Hazel, also a defensive back, spent time at Maryland (2019-22) and the University of North Carolina Charlotte (2023).

The Wise athletic department expressed sadness over the loss of the three football players.

“The Dr. Henry A. Wise Athletic Department sends condolences to the families and mourns the loss of Khyree Jackson (2016 State Champion, Class of 2017), Anthony Lytton, Jr. (AJ) (2015, 2016, 2017 State Champion, Class of 2018) and Isaiah Hazel (2015, 2016, 2017 State Champion, Class of 2019),” the Wise Athletic Department wrote on X.

Maryland Governor Wes Moore expressed his condolences to the three victims.

“Khyree was a true talent who touched so many lives,” he wrote on X. “We mourn his loss and that of the two other souls who lost their lives in this crash.”