UPDATE: In a shocking plea deal, Cori Clingman, 25, admitted guilt today in the tragic crash that killed Khyree Jackson, a rookie with the Minnesota Vikings, along with two friends. The incident, which occurred on July 6, 2024, has stirred deep emotions within the community and the NFL.
Clingman pleaded guilty to three counts of negligent homicide while under the influence of alcohol in a Maryland court this morning. She faced a staggering total of 13 charges before accepting the plea agreement. Her sentencing is set for February 4, 2025, where she is expected to receive a five-year sentence for each count, though all but one year of each sentence could be suspended, resulting in three consecutive one-year terms.
The devastating crash unfolded shortly after 3 a.m. in Prince George’s County, when Clingman, driving an Infiniti Q50 at over 100 mph, collided with a Dodge Charger carrying Jackson and his friends. The impact was catastrophic, sending the Charger crashing off the road and into multiple tree stumps. Jackson, 24, and driver Isaiah Hazel, 23, were pronounced dead at the scene, while their friend Anthony Lytton Jr., 24, succumbed to his injuries at a hospital.
Authorities confirmed that the driver of the Chevrolet Impala struck by Clingman was unharmed, as were Clingman and her two passengers. The Maryland State Police have detailed the reckless nature of Clingman’s driving, emphasizing the dangers posed when operating a vehicle under the influence.
Jackson, who was just a month shy of his 25th birthday and a fourth-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, had recently participated in Vikings minicamp and was recognized for his promising future in professional football. His death has sent shockwaves through the sports world, as fans and fellow athletes mourn the loss of a rising star.
As the community grapples with this tragic loss, all eyes will be on the upcoming sentencing, which is expected to serve as a critical moment for justice in this heartbreaking case. The emotional toll on friends, family, and fans alike is palpable, emphasizing the urgent need for awareness regarding the consequences of impaired driving.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops, and join the conversation about the impact of this tragedy on the lives of those left behind.
