Nov 18, 2023; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Oregon Ducks defensive back Khyree Jackson (5) against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Mountain America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Oregon will hold a candlelight vigil for late football star and NFL draft pick Khyree Jackson on Wednesday night at Autzen Stadium in Eugene.
Jackson and two of his high school football teammates were killed in a car crash Saturday morning in their native Maryland. Jackson was 24.
Jackson, a defensive back, was a fourth-round pick by the Minnesota Vikings in April and was months away from making his NFL debut. He played in junior college and at Alabama before transferring to Oregon for the 2023 season.
“We will hold a candlelight vigil to celebrate the life of Khyree Jackson,” Oregon Football posted on X, formerly Twitter. “We would be honored if you would join us. All are welcome to attend.”
Oregon Family,
We will hold a candlelight vigil to celebrate the life of Khyree Jackson. We would be honored if you would join us. All are welcome to attend.
Wednesday, July 10
Autzen Stadium – Please enter through South Gate entrance
8 p.m.#GoDucks pic.twitter.com/KbyizrP7Qf— Oregon Football (@oregonfootball) July 9, 2024
Police continue to investigate the crash, and no charges have been filed as of Tuesday.
According to Maryland State Police, Jackson was the front-seat passenger in a Dodge Charger that was struck by an Infiniti Q50 shortly after 3 a.m. Saturday in Prince George’s County.
The Infiniti was attempting to change lanes and traveling at a high rate of speed when the car hit the Charger and then struck a Chevrolet Impala. The impact sent the Charger off the right side of the road, where it came to rest after hitting “multiple tree stumps,” per the report.
The other occupants of the Charger were driver Isaiah Hazel, 23, and Anthony Lytton Jr., 24. The driver of the Impala was uninjured, and the driver of the Infiniti, identified by police as Cori Clingman, and her two passengers were not hurt, according to authorities.
Police said alcohol could have contributed to the crash.
–Field Level Media
The Oregon football community is mourning the tragic loss of Khyree Jackson, a promising young talent who was taken too soon. Jackson, a standout defensive back and NFL draft pick, was killed in a car crash along with two of his high school teammates in Maryland.
At just 24 years old, Jackson had a bright future ahead of him. He was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in the fourth round and was on the cusp of realizing his dream of playing in the NFL. His journey from junior college to Alabama and finally to Oregon showcased his dedication and talent on the field.
In honor of Jackson’s memory, the Oregon football program is holding a candlelight vigil at Autzen Stadium. The event is open to all who wish to pay their respects and celebrate the life of this young athlete. The vigil serves as a reminder of the impact Jackson had on his teammates, coaches, and fans.
As the investigation into the crash continues, details emerge about the tragic events that took Jackson’s life. The car he was traveling in was struck by another vehicle in the early hours of the morning, leading to the fatal collision. The involvement of alcohol in the accident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of impaired driving.
The loss of Khyree Jackson is deeply felt by the Oregon football community and beyond. His legacy as a talented athlete and a beloved teammate will live on in the hearts of those who knew him. The candlelight vigil is a time to come together, remember Jackson’s life, and reflect on the impact he had on those around him.
As the Oregon football program mourns the loss of one of their own, they also stand united in honoring Khyree Jackson’s memory and the legacy he leaves behind. In the midst of tragedy, the community comes together to support one another and remember a young talent gone too soon.
