Driver Pleads Guilty in Tragic Crash That Killed Former Vikings Rookie Khyree Jackson and Two Others
In a Maryland courtroom on Friday, justice inched closer for the families of former Minnesota Vikings rookie Khyree Jackson and his two high school friends who tragically lost their lives in a devastating car crash last year. The driver responsible for the fatal collision, 26-year-old Taylor Marie Johnson, pleaded guilty to three counts of negligent homicide while under the influence of alcohol, admitting her role in the tragedy that shocked both the NFL community and the wider public.
The fatal incident occurred on a rain-slicked highway in Prince George’s County, Maryland, when Johnson’s vehicle, traveling at nearly 90 miles per hour, swerved across lanes and violently struck the car carrying Jackson, 24, along with his childhood friends Anthony “AJ” Lytton Jr. and Isaiah Hazel. All three men, who had grown up together in the Washington D.C. area and shared dreams of athletic greatness, were pronounced dead at the scene. Investigators later confirmed that Johnson’s blood alcohol concentration was twice the legal limit, and toxicology reports revealed the presence of additional impairing substances.
Prosecutors detailed the harrowing final moments in court, describing how reckless speed and intoxication turned a routine drive into a night of unspeakable loss. “This was not an accident—it was a preventable tragedy,” said State’s Attorney Aisha Braveboy, emphasizing the devastating consequences of impaired driving. Family members filled the courtroom, many overcome with emotion as they listened to the reading of Johnson’s plea.
Jackson, a standout defensive back who had recently been drafted by the Vikings, was celebrated for his resilience and humility. Before reaching the NFL, he had overcome academic setbacks and personal challenges, rising from community college to star for the University of Oregon Ducks. His mother, Evelyn Jackson, tearfully described him as “a light in every room,” and told reporters she hopes the guilty plea brings accountability and serves as a lesson to others.
Sentencing for Johnson is scheduled for next month, where she faces up to 30 years in prison. Prosecutors are expected to recommend a significant term, citing the magnitude of loss and the reckless disregard for human life.
The Minnesota Vikings released a statement expressing continued condolences to the families of all three victims, calling Jackson “a remarkable young man whose potential, kindness, and spirit inspired everyone around him.”
As the courtroom emptied, a quiet sense of grief and relief hung in the air—a recognition that while justice is finally being served, no sentence could ever undo the pain of losing three promising lives far too soon.
