Khyree Jackson’s Last Instagram Post Before Tragic Death Leaves Fans Heartbroken

Khyree Jackson, the Minnesota Vikings’ fourth-round pick from the 2024 NFL Draft, died following an overnight car accident on July 6, the team confirmed. He was 24 years old.  Jackson spent two seasons with the Alabama Crimson Tide before transferring to play with the Oregon Ducks in 2023. He earned First-Team All Pac-12 honors after registering 34 tackles (five for loss), 2.0 sacks, 7 pass breakups and 3 interceptions last season.

The rookie’s mother, Ebbony Jackson, confirmed to TMZ that her son died in Upper Marlboro, Maryland, the family’s hometown. Two other passengers in the vehicle, Isaiah Hazel and Anthony Lytton, also died after a “silver Infiniti rammed” into their maroon Dodge Charger “while trying to change lanes at a high rate of speed,” the outlet reported.  Less than 24 hours before Jackson died, he shared a post on Instagram, celebrating his successful year.

Jackson shared several photos from vacation, traveling, and workouts with the Vikings. He simply captioned the post, Mmmhmmm.” After news of his death spread, the comments section flooded with heartbreaking messages.  One fan wrote, “rest easy superstar 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽 s*** really unbelievable.” Another person wrote, “damn khyree we was ready to see you on that field😔💔.”

Fans loved Jackson’s incredible comeback story, as the 6-foot-4 cornerback quit football for two years and worked at grocery store deli between 2017 to 2018. After returning the sport and working his way up from community college to Division I football, he was ready to prove himself in the NFL.

Khyree Jackson had potential for one of the best comeback stories in sports after he worked his way back to football from a grocery store deli. I’m beyond heartbroken for him, his family, and teammates. Be safe and love on your people. pic.twitter.com/rCfej6DKZV

— Jason (@_jason_777) July 6, 2024

“You got the best corner, by far,” the rookie told Vikings general manager Kwesi Asofo-Mensah on the phone after becoming the No. 108 overall pick. “Imma show you, day one.”

Social media filled with best wishes for his family, friends, and teammates. Dr. Henry A. Wise High School in Upper Marlboro, Jackson, Hazel and Lytton’s alma mater, posted a tribute on X, along with the NFL, Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell, and more.

Here’s the *short* story of Khyree Jackson.

and while doing this research, I only read/heard GREAT things about the young man.

May he rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/frD9h24o1o

— Leighton Glodek (@LGlodek) July 6, 2024

Statement from Head Coach Kevin O’Connell on Khyree Jackson’s tragic passing pic.twitter.com/Sa7dffCTof

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) July 6, 2024

The NFL family is deeply saddened and devasted 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. pic.twitter.com/Qj2rc4YgNv

— NFL (@NFL) July 6, 2024

The Dr. Henry A. Wise Athletic Department sends condolences to the families and mourns the loss of Khyree Jackson (State Champ 2016 c/o ’17) Anthony Lytton, Jr. (AJ) (State Champ 2015,16,17 c/o ’18) and Isaiah Hazel (State Champ 2015, 16, 17 c/o ’19). #OnceAPumaAlwaysAPuma pic.twitter.com/8SsQEgbR0G

— Wise Athletics (@WisePumaSports) July 6, 2024

Prayers up for the family, friends and loved ones of Khyree Jackson. The former Oregon Duck and current Minnesota Vikings Corner Back died in a car accident last night at the age of 24. Gone way too soon. Heartbreaking. pic.twitter.com/XBKh2IG24G

— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) July 6, 2024