Driver Pleads Guilty in Crash That Killed Vikings Rookie Khyree Jackson and Two Others

The driver responsible for the crash that killed Minnesota Vikings rookie cornerback Khyree Jackson and two of his former high school teammates has pleaded guilty to three counts of negligent homicide while under the influence of alcohol. The plea was entered Friday in a Maryland courtroom, marking the latest chapter in a case that shocked both the NFL community and Jackson’s hometown.

According to court records, 25-year-old Cori Clingman reached a plea agreement with prosecutors that is expected to result in a three-year prison sentence. Under the terms, prosecutors will recommend five years for each count but suspend all but one year per count, to be served consecutively. Clingman, who had initially faced 13 charges, is scheduled to be formally sentenced on February 4.

The crash occurred in the early morning hours of July 6, 2024, in Prince George’s County, Maryland. Investigators determined that Clingman was driving over 100 mph while intoxicated when she struck another vehicle, triggering a multi-car collision that claimed three young lives.

Jackson, 24, had only recently begun his professional football career after being selected in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL Draft by the Minnesota Vikings. The tragedy ended a life that was just beginning to flourish — both on and off the field.

1. Details of the Fatal Crash

Authorities said Clingman was driving an Infiniti Q50 at an excessive speed when she collided with a Dodge Charger driven by 23-year-old Isaiah Hazel, one of Jackson’s close friends and high school teammates. The impact sent the Charger off the road, where it struck several tree stumps before coming to a stop. Police reported that both Jackson and Hazel were pronounced dead at the scene. A third passenger, 24-year-old Anthony Lytton Jr., was rushed to a nearby hospital but was later pronounced dead by medical personnel. Clingman, the two passengers in her vehicle, and the driver of a third car — a Chevrolet Impala involved in the crash — were not injured. Investigators later confirmed that Clingman was intoxicated at the time of the crash, with blood alcohol levels exceeding Maryland’s legal limit. Data retrieved from her vehicle’s systems indicated she was traveling well above 100 mph in a 55 mph zone just seconds before impact. “This was not an accident,” Prince George’s County State’s Attorney Tara Jackson said in a statement. “It was a preventable tragedy caused by reckless and conscious decisions that cost three young men their lives.”

2. Remembering Khyree Jackson and His Teammates

The crash sent shockwaves through the sports world, particularly within the Minnesota Vikings organization and Jackson’s home community in Maryland. Jackson, who was just one month shy of his 25th birthday, had been projected to compete for a significant defensive role as a rookie after standing out in training camp and OTAs. Before reaching the NFL, Jackson had an unconventional path to football success. He played college football at Alabama and Oregon, where he became known for his size, athleticism, and perseverance. Teammates and coaches frequently described him as humble, driven, and deeply committed to his goals. Hazel, 23, was a former standout at the University of Maryland and later played at Charlotte, while Lytton, 24, had collegiate stints at Florida State and Penn State. The three had remained close friends after high school, often training together during the offseason. The Vikings, along with several of Jackson’s former college programs, released statements of condolence following the tragedy. “Khyree was a remarkable young man with an inspiring story and an incredibly bright future,” the team said. “Our hearts are with his family and all those who loved him.”

3. Legal Outcome and Broader Impact

With the plea agreement in place, prosecutors hope the outcome will bring some measure of closure to the victims’ families, though the emotional impact of the crash remains profound. “No sentence can undo what happened that night,” State’s Attorney Jackson said. “But accountability is a step toward justice.” Clingman’s sentencing in February will formally conclude the criminal case, but local officials emphasized the broader message of the tragedy: the consequences of impaired and reckless driving. The case has renewed calls across Maryland for stronger public awareness campaigns against driving under the influence and speeding. The families of Jackson, Hazel, and Lytton have each expressed gratitude for the community’s support while continuing to advocate for road safety initiatives in their loved ones’ honor. Plans for a scholarship fund in Jackson’s name have also been discussed among former coaches and teammates. While the legal proceedings move toward resolution, the emotional scars left by the crash will linger — not only for the families involved but also for the teams and communities that had come to see the three young men as symbols of hope and perseverance.