UPDATE: In a significant legal development, Cori Clingman, the driver responsible for the tragic crash that claimed the lives of Minnesota Vikings rookie Khyree Jackson and two friends, pleaded guilty to three counts of negligent homicide under the influence of alcohol on February 4, 2025. The plea was accepted in a Maryland court, where Clingman, aged 25, faced a total of 13 charges.
The crash occurred early on July 6, 2024, shortly after 3 a.m., in Prince George’s County, Maryland. Clingman was reportedly driving her Infiniti Q50 at over 100 mph when she struck a Dodge Charger carrying Jackson, who was a front-seat passenger. Following the impact, the Charger collided with a Chevrolet Impala and subsequently veered off the road, hitting multiple tree stumps.
Authorities confirmed that Jackson, aged 24, and the driver of the Charger, Isaiah Hazel, 23, were pronounced dead at the scene. Another passenger, Anthony Lytton Jr., 24, later succumbed to his injuries at a local hospital. The driver of the Impala escaped uninjured, and Clingman along with her passengers were also unharmed.
Clingman’s sentencing is scheduled for February 4, 2025. Reports indicate she is likely to receive a five-year sentence for each count, with all but one year suspended for each charge, leading to three consecutive one-year terms.
This devastating incident not only robbed the football community of a promising athlete but also raised urgent questions about road safety and the dangers of impaired driving. Jackson was drafted in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL Draft and had participated in Vikings minicamp and organized team activities prior to his untimely death.
As the case progresses, the impact of this tragedy resonates deeply within the sports world, reminding us of the fragility of life and the consequences of reckless behavior. The community mourns the loss of young talents whose futures were cut short, and the legal proceedings surrounding Clingman’s actions will be closely followed by fans and advocates for road safety alike.
Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops.
