Cori Clingman, a 25-year-old woman from Maryland, has pleaded guilty to three counts of negligent homicide under the influence of alcohol for the fatal car crash that claimed the lives of Minnesota Vikings rookie Khyree Jackson and two others. This plea was made in a local court, and she is expected to face up to three years in prison, although prosecutors are recommending a five-year sentence for each count. The incident, which occurred on July 6, 2024, involved Clingman driving over 100 mph while intoxicated, resulting in a three-car collision that left three people dead and two others uninjured.
The victims of the crash included Khyree Jackson, who was a rookie on the Minnesota Vikings at the time of his death. Jackson was one month away from his 25th birthday and had recently been selected as the fourth-round pick in the 2024 NFL draft. He had played football at Maryland and Charlotte before joining the Vikings. The other victims were his high school teammates Isaiah Hazel and Anthony Lytton Jr., who were both 24 at the time of the crash. Lytton had played college football at Florida State and Penn State.
The crash occurred on a highway, where Clingman’s actions led to a chain reaction that resulted in the deaths of the three young men. Despite the severity of the incident, Clingman and her two passengers were uninjured. The State’s Attorney, Tara Jackson, emphasized that such accidents are not just random occurrences but are the result of conscious decisions that can be prevented. The case has raised awareness about the dangers of driving under the influence and the consequences of reckless driving. The trial and sentencing will be closely watched to determine the outcome of this tragic event.
As the judicial process continues, the community is left to reflect on the importance of responsible behavior and the need for stricter enforcement of traffic laws to prevent similar incidents in the future. The incident has sparked discussions about the role of alcohol in accidents and the necessity for public safety measures to mitigate such risks. The families of the victims are expected to be deeply affected by the outcome, and their support for the legal process will be crucial in the coming months.