EUGENE, Ore. — Fans and fellow Oregon Ducks attended a vigil Wednesday night at Autzen Stadium to remember the life of Khyree Jackson. The 24-year-old former Ducks football player and Minnesota Vikings rookie died in a car crash over the weekend.
Although his time at Oregon was brief, Jackson left behind quite a legacy. His former coaches and teammates shared memories, on and off the field, calling him competitive, passionate and authentic.
"Khyree had a goal. He had a goal to play, to make it to the NFL. Khyree made that goal," said head coach Dan Lanning.
Jackson was one of three people who died in an overnight three-car crash in Prince George's County, according to Maryland State Police. The other victims, 23-year-old Isaiah Hazel and 24-year-old Anthony Lytton, Jr., were in the same vehicle at the time of the crash. Hazel was driving, and Jackson and Lytton were passengers, police said.
Investigators believe the driver of a second vehicle traveling north attempted to change lanes "at a high rate of speed" when they struck the car driven by Hazel and a third vehicle. Nobody was injured in the second or third vehicles.
Alcohol might have been a contributing factor in the crash, and charges are pending "the investigation and consultation with the Prince George's County State's Attorney's Office," investigators said.
The Vikings released a statement, saying the team spoke to Jackson's family and is "devastated by the news."
Jackson was a fourth-round selection of the Vikings in the 2024 NFL draft. He played two years at Alabama before finishing his college career with one season at Oregon.
"Khyree was one of those guys that you wanted to be around every day. No matter what it was, if you were around Khyree, you were going to have a good day," said wide receiver Tez Johnson.
"Watching Khyree, it made you want to just play better," said wide receiver Traeshon Holden," And him not being here no more, it don't sit right."
Defensive back Dontae Manning described Jackson as being like a flame.
"As a wildfire, you think of destruction, but for me, I think of Ree as everything he touched, or everything that he came into contact with, wasn't the same once he left," said Dontae Manning. "He just had that fire."
During the candlelight vigil, teammates and fans prayed together, remembering Jackson, and hoping for comfort for his family. His parents said they were grateful for the Ducks, and how the entire community cared for their son.
"I want to thank the community of Eugene and the surrounding areas for embracing our son, giving him a place where he could be himself and ball out," said Jackson's father. "You guys gave him a real chance here. You guys will always be family to us."
