Khyree Jackson, a recently-drafted Minnesota Vikings cornerback, died early Saturday in a car crash at the age of 24. The team confirmed the news Saturday morning.

“I am absolutely crushed by this news,” coach Kevin O’Connell said 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.”

Jackson was picked by the Vikings in the fourth round of April’s draft. He arrived in Minnesota by way of Oregon. But before playing for coach Dan Lanning, he had played stints at Arizona Western College, Fort Scott Community College and Alabama.

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.

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💔💔💔 pic.twitter.com/pkgC4kQtWi

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) July 6, 2024

The day the Vikings drafted Jackson, he told a story about thinking he was finished with football after a freshman season at Arizona Western. He returned home to Upper Marlboro, Md., worked for Harris Teeter grocery and quit working out. Then, the football bug bit him again, and the 6-foot-4, 194-pounder transformed into a prospect Lannning described as the type of cornerback you’d want to create in Madden.

RIP Khyree… Love you @Real_Khyree at a loss for words. I will miss your smile. Great player better person.

— Dan Lanning (@CoachDanLanning) July 6, 2024

“Khyree had an extremely bright future ahead of him as a player,” Vikings owners Mark and Zygi Wilf said, “and it was clear he was dedicated to being a tremendous person who made a positive difference in people’s lives.”

The Maryland State Police said in a statement the accident also claimed the lives of Isaiah Hazel and Anthony Lytton, two of Jackson’s high school teammates. Hazel was the driver of the vehicle, per the statement.

Investigators believe the car carrying Jackson was struck by another vehicle that was attempting to change lanes while driving at a high rate of speed. They believe alcohol may have been a contributing circumstance in the crash, the statement reads.

“I am heartbroken by the loss of Khyree. As we got to know him throughout the pre-draft process, it was clear the goals Khyree wanted to accomplish both professionally and personally. His story was one of resilience,” Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah said in a statement. “He was taking steps to become the best version of himself not just for him, but for those who cared about and looked up to him. Khyree’s personality captured every room he was in. I’m devastated that his life and everything he had in front of him has been cut short.”

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(Photo: John E. Moore III / Getty Images)

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PORTLAND, Ore. (KTVZ) — We are on track to break high temperature records in Oregon and SW Washington over the next couple of days. This creates a health risk for vulnerable populations and should be taken seriously.

Extreme heat is deadly and kills more people than any other weather event. In addition to that, the climate crisis is making extreme heat events more frequent, more severe, and last longer.

The American Red Cross recommends taking four steps to stay safe in extreme heat: 

• Slow down by postponing or limiting outdoor activities. If you must work outdoors, take frequent breaks, and avoid the hottest part of the day. Never leave children or pets in your vehicle alone.
• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and avoiding sugary, caffeinated, and alcoholic drinks. Check that animals also have access to fresh water and shade.
• Spend time indoors in an air-conditioned place. If you don’t have air conditioning, go to a public library, shopping mall or public cooling center. Check on loved ones and neighbors who may be at risk and don’t have air conditioning.
• Organize supplies in a Go Kit or Stay-at-Home Kit.  In the event of a power outage, have supplies including batteries and chargers for your devices like flashlights, cell phones, CPAP machines, wheelchairs, etc. Have fresh water, nonperishable foods, and medications on hand. 

Learn more extreme weather tips HERE.

Pic/graphic: HERE

Red Cross Emergency App HERE

The all-inclusive Emergency App combines more than 35 emergency alerts to help keep the user safe including information about what to do in case of floods, thunderstorms, hurricanes, earthquakes, tornadoes, wildfires and more. The emergency alerts are available for the user’s location and to monitor where friends and family live. A single map provides open Red Cross shelter locations and weather information. Download HERE.

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds, and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood, including 65 hospitals in the Northwest; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members, and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit www.redcross.org or www.CruzRojaAmericana.org or follow us on social media.