A Maryland court has seen the guilty plea of Cori Clingman, 25, for three counts of negligent homicide related to a tragic crash that killed Khyree Jackson, a former Minnesota Vikings rookie, and two of his high school teammates. Clingman was reportedly driving over 100 mph and was under the influence of alcohol when the accident happened on July 6, 2024.
The crash involved three vehicles and resulted in the deaths of Jackson, Isaiah Hazel, and Anthony Lytton Jr. Hazel was driving a Dodge Charger that Clingman struck with her Infiniti Q50. This collision sent Hazel’s Charger off the road, where it hit several tree stumps. Both Jackson and Hazel died at the scene. Lytton was rushed to the hospital but could not be saved. Miraculously, Clingman and her passengers, as well as the driver of an additional car involved, were unharmed.
The case highlights a pressing issue: the dangers of reckless driving and alcohol consumption. Expert opinions emphasize that these situations are often preventable. Prince George’s County State’s Attorney Tara Jackson remarked that these incidents stem from “conscious choices” rather than random accidents.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, approximately 28 people die each day in alcohol-related crashes in the U.S., underscoring the importance of responsible driving. Clingman faces a likely sentence of three years in prison, with a plea deal that recommends a five-year sentence for each homicide count, although all but one year will likely be suspended.
At just 24 years old, Jackson had been a promising player, drafted by the Vikings in 2024 and actively participating in their offseason training. Hazel and Lytton also had bright futures in football, having played at well-respected colleges.
This tragic event serves as a reminder of the significant consequences reckless actions can lead to, affecting families and friends forever. The case will continue to unfold, with Clingman’s sentencing scheduled for February 4.
For further reading on the impact of drunk driving, check out this report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
