Upper Marlboro, Maryland – A heartbreaking tragedy struck not only the Minnesota Vikings but also the Wise High School community when rookie Khyree Jackson and two of his former high school teammates lost their lives in a fatal car crash over the weekend. The three young men were involved in a three-vehicle accident after their car was hit by another vehicle and swerved off the road in Upper Marlboro, according to Maryland State Police.
Jackson, along with Anthony Lytton Jr. and Isaiah Hazel, were traveling in a Dodge Charger driven by Hazel when they were struck by an Infiniti Q50 on northbound Route 4 near Presidential Parkway early on Saturday morning. Jackson and Hazel were pronounced dead at the scene, while Lytton succumbed to his injuries in the hospital shortly after.
Investigators suspect that alcohol may have played a role in the crash, although no charges were filed at the time. Jackson, who was a fourth-round draft pick for the Vikings, played college football at both Alabama and Oregon. Lytton had a collegiate career at Florida State and Penn State, while Hazel played for Maryland and Charlotte.
All three men were key players for coach DaLawn Parrish at Wise High School, winning multiple state championships together. They were instrumental in the team’s impressive 43-game winning streak and three consecutive state titles, leaving a lasting legacy on the program.
Lytton, named the All-Met Defensive Player of the Year in 2017, made a significant impact as a standout player in high school before pursuing his college career. Jackson excelled as a wide receiver and defensive back before shining as a defensive star at the collegiate level. Hazel, known for his versatility as a wide receiver and cornerback, made significant contributions to both Maryland and Charlotte’s football programs.
Parrish fondly remembered the three young men as outstanding individuals, expressing how they influenced his life as much as he impacted theirs. Their untimely passing has left a void in the hearts of many, but their legacy on and off the field will forever be cherished by those who knew them.
