Cause of Death of Khyree Jackson: What Happened in the Fatal Crash?

The cause of death of former Khyree Jackson was a high-speed crash in Prince George’s County, Maryland, on July 6, 2024, that also killed two of his former high-school teammates. The driver responsible, Cori Clingman, pleaded guilty on November 7, 2025, to three counts of negligent homicide while under the influence of alcohol.

The crash involved three vehicles, occurred in the early morning hours, and resulted in Jackson’s death along with those of Isaiah Hazel and Anthony Lytton Jr.. The plea deal recommends Clingman serve three years in prison. (ESPN, Nov 9 2025)

Key Details on Cause of Death of Khyree Jackson

On July 6, 2024, around 3:15 a.m., Clingman was driving a silver Infiniti Q50 with two passengers in Maryland’s Prince George’s County. She was allegedly driving more than 100 mph and under the influence of alcohol. According to prosecutors, she attempted a lane change at high speed and collided with a Dodge Charger driven by Hazel, which then left the road and struck multiple tree stumps. Jackson and Hazel died at the scene, while Lytton was transported to hospital and later pronounced dead. (Star Tribune, Nov 8 2025)

Khyree Jackson was 24 years old — one month away from his 25th birthday — when the crash happened. He had been selected in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL draft by the Minnesota Vikings and had already participated in minicamp and OTAs. Hazel played college football at Maryland and Charlotte; Lytton played at Florida State and Penn State. (ESPN, Nov 9 2025)

The State’s Attorney for Prince George’s County, Tara Jackson, emphasized this was not simply an accident but a “preventable tragedy” resulting from conscious choices including speeding and impaired driving. (Washington Post, Nov 7 2025)

Analysis & Broader Impact of Cause of Death of Khyree Jackson

The cause of death of Khyree Jackson spotlights several broader issues: the dangers of driving while intoxicated, excessive speed, and how split-second decisions can end promising lives. Jackson’s death reverberates through the NFL, his former teams, his community, and college-teammates who knew him.

For the Minnesota Vikings, the loss of a rookie cornerback before his first season was a tragic blow. It also sparked renewed conversations across sports and youth communities about road safety, especially among young athletes who may feel pressure to show off or speed. In Maryland, the crash is a reminder for public-safety advocates that impaired driving remains a leading cause of preventable death.

The cause of death of Khyree Jackson was the result of a high-speed, alcohol-impaired collision that claimed three young men. It serves as a sobering reminder of the fragility of life and the consequences of reckless choices behind the wheel.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: What exactly caused the crash in which Khyree Jackson died?

The crash was caused when the driver, Cori Clingman, was driving over 100 mph while impaired by alcohol, attempted a lane change, struck a Dodge Charger driven by Isaiah Hazel, and the Charger left the road and hit tree stumps. Hazel and Jackson died at the scene; Lytton died of his injuries. (Star Tribune, Nov 8 2025)

Q2: Was Khyree Jackson driving at the time of the accident?

No. Jackson was a passenger in the Dodge Charger driven by Isaiah Hazel when the collision occurred. (ESPN, Nov 9 2025)

Q3: What charges did the driver face and what was the plea deal?

The driver, Cori Clingman, pleaded guilty to three counts of negligent homicide while under the influence of alcohol. Prosecutors will recommend five-year sentences for each count but suspend all but one year per count to result in a likely three-year prison term. Sentencing is scheduled for February 4, 2026. (WJLA, Nov 7 2025)

Q4: What impact does this crash have on road-safety awareness?

This crash reinforces the message that impaired driving and speeding are preventable risk factors that can destroy lives. High-profile cases such as this raise awareness and may influence campaigns, policies and behavior among young drivers and athletes. (Washington Post, Nov 7 2025)

Q5: What happened to Jackson’s NFL career?

Khyree Jackson had been drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in 2024 and participated in team activities. His career was tragically ended by the crash before he could make his regular-season debut. (ESPN, Nov 9 2025)