The driver who allegedly caused the crash that killed former Minnesota Vikings player Khyree Jackson and two of his high school teammates over the summer pleaded guilty to three counts of negligent homicide under the influence, according to ESPN.
The driver, Cori Clingman, gave her plea in a Maryland courtroom on Friday, November 7. She will be sentenced on February 4, 2026.
Jackson was killed in the car accident on July 6, in Maryland, along Isaiah Hazel, 23, and Anthony Lytton, Jr., 24. Jackson was also 24 years old.
Maryland State Police said the accident occurred at 3:14 a.m., when the trio’s vehicle collided with two other cars in Upper Marlboro.
Hazel, the driver, and Jackson, who was in the passenger seat, were pronounced dead on the scene. Lytton, who was in the backseat, was transported to the University of Maryland Capital Region Medical Center where he was pronounced dead by hospital personnel.
Clingman, 25, was driving the silver Infiniti Q50 that crashed into Hazel’s Dodge Charger. Investigators said Clingman tried to change lanes at “a high rate of speed” and hit the Charger, which was then sent off the road and into multiple tree trunks.
According to Maryland State Police, alcohol “may have been a contributing circumstance in the crash.”
No one in the Infiniti was hurt.
In the wake of Jackson’s untimely death, the NFL community came together to mourn the loss of the young talent.
“We are devastated by the news of Khyree Jackson’s death following an overnight car accident,” the Vikings said in a July 6 social media statement. “Our thoughts are with Khyree’s family, friends, teammates and coaches, as well as all the victims of this tragic accident.”
“Too much ahead of him,” said Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy via Instagram. “Rest in peace to a phenomenal athlete but more importantly a really f—king great man.”
McCarthy added, “See you in the next life fam.”
McCarthy and Jackson were both drafted by the Vikings in 2024.
“I am absolutely crushed by this news,” said Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell 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.”
He continued: “In our short time together, it was evident that Khyree was going to develop into a tremendous professional football player, but what was more impressive was his desire to become the best person he could be for his family and those around him.”
The Minnesota Twins paid tribute to Jackson at the time as well, honoring him with a moment of silence before their game on July 6. A photo of Jackson was also projected onto the Jumbotron.
“In memory of Khyree Jackson 1999-2024,” a title card read, alongside a photo of Jackson wearing a Vikings jersey.
Jackson was just one month away from his 25th birthday at the time of the accident. He was drafted by the Vikings in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL Draft.
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