Logan Jennes and The Associated Press
UPPER MARLBORO, Md. (AP) — Former UNC Charlotte defensive back Isaiah Hazel was killed Saturday morning in a car crash in Maryland, according to authorities.
Hazel, 23, was one of three people who died in an overnight three-car crash in Prince George’s County, police said.
The other victims were 24-year-olds Khyree Jackson and Anthony Lytton Jr. Jackson was just drafted in the fourth round by the Minnesota Vikings. Lytton played college football at Florida State and Penn State.
“We are heartbroken today at the news of Isaiah Hazel’s untimely passing,” Charlotte head football coach Biff Poggi said. “Our program mourns his loss, and our thoughts and prayers are with Isaiah’s family during this tragic time. All of Isaiah’s hopes and dreams were still before him, and I pray that his family is granted strength now more than ever.”
Hazel was a 2023 letterman in Charlotte and appeared in all 12 games with eight starts as a defensive back last season for the 49ers.
Hazel transferred to Charlotte from the University of Maryland ahead of the 2023 season. With the 49ers, he finished with 45 total tackles.
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Jackson, before being selected in the 2024 NFL Draft, played two years at Alabama before finishing his college career with one season at Oregon.
The Vikings released a statement saying the team spoke to Jackson’s family, and is “devastated by the news.”
“I am heartbroken by the loss of Khyree,” Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah said in the statement. “As we got to know him throughout the pre-draft process, it was clear the goals Khyree wanted to accomplish both professionally and personally. His story was one of resilience. He was taking steps to become the best version of himself not just for him, but for those who cared about and looked up to him.”
Jackson was in the running to earn a starting cornerback job at the team’s training camp, which opens later this month in Eagan, Minnesota.
“I am at a loss for words. My heart goes out to Khyree’s family, friends, teammates and coaches,” Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell said in the statement.
All three victims won state championships together at Dr. Henry A. Wise Jr. High School in Maryland, according to On3.com.
They were in the same vehicle at the time of the crash. Hazel was driving, and Jackson and Lytton were passengers, police said.
Investigators believe the driver of a second vehicle traveling north attempted to change lanes “at a high rate of speed” when they struck the car driven by Hazel and a third vehicle.
Nobody was injured in the second or third vehicles.
Investigators say alcohol might have been a contributing factor in the crash, and charges are pending “the investigation and consultation with the Prince George’s County State’s Attorney’s Office.”
The Associated Press contributed to this story