5 Heartbreaking Facts About The Tragic Death Of Former Alabama Star Khyree Jackson

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The world of college and professional football was plunged into mourning in 2024 following a series of devastating losses, none more shocking than the death of former Alabama Crimson Tide standout and Minnesota Vikings rookie cornerback, Khyree Jackson. The tragedy, which occurred on July 6, 2024, cut short the life of a promising athlete just as his NFL career was beginning, sending a wave of grief across Tuscaloosa and the league. This article provides the most current, updated details on the incident and honors the life of a player who left an indelible mark on the programs he touched.

The loss of a player with such a bright future, paired with other recent football tragedies in the state, highlights the fragility of life and the deep emotional impact these young athletes have on their communities. As of this current date in late 2025, the football community continues to remember Khyree Jackson and the other young men lost too soon, including recent non-Crimson Tide players like Medrick Burnett Jr. and James E. Owens Jr.

Khyree Anthony Jackson: A Life Cut Short (Biography & Profile)

Khyree Anthony Jackson was a talented defensive back whose journey from junior college to the NFL was a testament to his dedication and skill. His sudden passing, mere months after being drafted, remains a profound loss for his family, friends, and the football world.

  • Full Name: Khyree Anthony Jackson
  • Date of Birth: August 11, 1999
  • Place of Birth: Washington, D.C. (grew up in Upper Marlboro, Maryland)
  • Parents: Raymond Jackson and Ebbony Jackson
  • Height/Weight: 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m) / 194 lbs (88 kgs)
  • College Career: Fort Scott Community College (Greyhounds), University of Alabama (Crimson Tide), University of Oregon (Ducks)
  • Alabama Career Highlights: Played in 12 games for the Crimson Tide in 2022, providing depth at cornerback and contributing heavily on special teams. He recorded seven total tackles and two pass breakups during his time in Tuscaloosa.
  • NFL Draft: Selected in the 4th Round (108th overall) of the 2024 NFL Draft by the Minnesota Vikings.
  • Date of Death: July 6, 2024
  • Age at Death: 24 years old

The Tragic Circumstances of Khyree Jackson’s Car Crash

The news of Khyree Jackson's death sent shockwaves through the NFL and the University of Alabama community due to the sudden and violent nature of the accident. The tragedy occurred in Upper Marlboro, Maryland, the area Jackson called home.

Jackson was a passenger in a Dodge Charger that was involved in a devastating three-car collision. The accident took place overnight, and Jackson, who was in the front passenger seat, was pronounced dead at the scene.

In a further heartbreaking detail, two of Jackson's former high school teammates were also killed in the crash. The incident became a major news story, not only because of Jackson's recent professional status but also due to the severity of the collision. A woman was later indicted in connection with the fatal car crash, signaling a formal legal process following the tragedy.

The Minnesota Vikings organization released a statement expressing their devastation, confirming they were working to gather more information and had spoken with Jackson’s family. For the Alabama Crimson Tide football program, the loss was particularly painful, as Jackson had been a key part of their defensive backfield just two seasons prior, contributing to the team's success before transferring to Oregon for his final collegiate season to boost his draft stock.

A Wave of Recent Tragedies in Alabama Football Programs

While Khyree Jackson's death was the most high-profile loss connected to the University of Alabama (Crimson Tide) in 2024, his passing was part of a distressing pattern of recent fatalities involving young men from college football programs across the state of Alabama. The sheer number of young lives lost in a short period underscores the need for increased awareness regarding athlete safety, both on and off the field.

The Loss of Medrick Burnett Jr. (Alabama A&M)

One of the most recent and tragic incidents involved Medrick Burnett Jr., a linebacker for the Alabama A&M Bulldogs. Burnett died on November 27, 2024, weeks after sustaining a serious head injury during an in-game collision. He was only 20 years old. His death brought the issue of in-game head trauma and player safety back to the forefront of college athletics discussions, particularly in the HBCU community.

Remembering James E. Owens Jr. (Huntingdon College)

Just weeks before Burnett's passing, the Huntingdon College community in Montgomery mourned the loss of defensive lineman James E. Owens Jr. Owens, a 20-year-old junior, died on November 10, 2024, after being involved in a head-on car crash in Chilton County, Alabama. Described as a towering presence of kindness, Owens was a beloved student-athlete and a great representative of the college.

The Lasting Impact on the Crimson Tide and NFL Community

The death of a player who has just reached the pinnacle of his sport—the NFL—is a devastating blow to the entire football ecosystem. Khyree Jackson's short time with the Minnesota Vikings was marked by promise, and his loss immediately created a void in the team's rookie class and the broader Vikings organization. The tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the non-football-related risks that all athletes face.

For the Alabama Crimson Tide, a program built on tradition and excellence, Jackson’s memory joins a somber list of former players whose lives were tragically cut short. From legendary figures like Woodrow Lowe to more recent tragedies, the program often rallies to support the families of its fallen members, ensuring their legacy endures. The collective mourning across the Crimson Tide, Oregon Ducks, and Minnesota Vikings fan bases demonstrated the wide-reaching impact of a young athlete's life.

The stories of Khyree Jackson, Medrick Burnett Jr., and James E. Owens Jr. are not just statistics; they are personal tragedies that have spurred conversations about road safety, in-game medical protocols, and the overall well-being of student-athletes in the state of Alabama and nationwide. The legacy of these young men will continue to be honored through their former teams and the communities they inspired.

5 Heartbreaking Facts About the Tragic Death of Former Alabama Star Khyree Jackson
alabama football player death
alabama football player death

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