The driver involved in the crash that took the life of Minnesota Vikings rookie Khyree Jackson has admitted guilt in court.
On Friday, November 7, 25-year-old Cori Clingman pleaded guilty to three counts of negligent homicide under the influence of alcohol in Prince George’s County, Maryland.
According to reports from ESPN and local outlets WJLA and WUSA9, prosecutors plan to recommend five-year sentences for each count. However, as part of Clingman’s plea agreement, all but one year of each sentence will be suspended. The sentences are set to run consecutively, meaning she is expected to serve three years in prison.
The crash occurred in July 2024 and resulted in the deaths of Jackson, 24, and two of his former high school teammates, Isaiah Hazel, 23, and Anthony Lytton Jr., 24. Hazel was driving a Dodge Charger with Jackson in the passenger seat and Lytton in the back when Clingman’s Infiniti Q50 collided with their vehicle and another car.
Maryland State Police said Clingman was driving at a high speed and attempted to change lanes before striking the Charger. The impact forced Hazel’s vehicle off the road, where it hit multiple tree stumps and came to a stop.
Jackson and Hazel were pronounced dead at the scene. Lytton was taken to a hospital but later died from his injuries. Clingman and the occupants of the other involved car were not injured.
At the time of the collision, investigators confirmed Clingman’s blood alcohol content was above Maryland’s legal limit of 0.08%. Prince George’s County State’s Attorney Aisha Braveboy said that one or more vehicles in the incident were traveling at “very high” speeds, though she did not specify which.
Clingman was initially charged with 13 offenses, including negligent manslaughter and driving under the influence. Court records also show past speeding citations, including one instance where she was recorded driving at 100 mph in a 55 mph zone.
Jackson had been preparing for his first season in the NFL after being selected in the fourth round of the 2024 draft. The Vikings contributed $20,000 to funeral expenses and paid the remainder of his signing bonus, totaling $827,148, to his estate.
Clingman is scheduled to be sentenced on February 4, 2026.