In a deeply tragic incident that has resonated across the sports world and beyond, 25‑year‑old Cori Clingman pleaded guilty on November 7, 2025, to three counts of negligent homicide while under the influence of alcohol. The crash in question occurred on July 6, 2024, in Prince George’s County, Maryland, and claimed the lives of NFL rookie cornerback Khyree Jackson, 24, along with his former high‑school teammates Isaiah Hazel, 23, and Anthony Lytton Jr., 24.
According to court records, Clingman was driving a silver Infiniti Q50 at approximately 109 mph when she allegedly attempted a lane change, striking a Dodge Charger carrying Jackson and his friends. Police say the Charger had already been driving at very high speed (some reports indicate 130 mph). The impact caused the Charger to veer off‑road and collide with tree stumps. Jackson and Hazel died at the scene; Lytton succumbed to his injuries at a hospital.
Khyree Jackson had just been drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL Draft, following standout collegiate careers at the University of Alabama and the University of Oregon.
Hazel and Lytton likewise had promising athletic paths and were close friends and former teammates of Jackson, having played together at Wise High School in Upper Marlboro.
The families attending the plea hearing did so with heavy hearts. Jackson’s mother and Hazel’s family each offered emotional statements. “I know he is sorry,” Jackson’s mother told the court, “but sorry will never be enough.”
Clingman entered her guilty plea to three counts of negligent homicide by motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol. Under the plea agreement, prosecutors are recommending a sentence of 15 years, with all but three years suspended—likely resulting in approximately three years of incarceration. Her official sentencing is scheduled for February 2026.
Maryland’s prosecutors emphasized that though the crash was tragic, it was not an act of intentional murder but rather the result of extremely reckless driving and driving under the influence. As one state attorney remarked, “Incidents like these are not just accidents. They are preventable tragedies that occur from conscious choices.”
When tragedy strikes in the form of a drunk‑driving crash, especially one that claims multiple lives, the criminal justice system addresses the offender—but it often leaves the victim families facing devastating emotional, financial and practical consequences. That’s where civil legal representation becomes crucial.
Families of victims like Jackson, Hazel and Lytton may have options to file a civil claim against the negligent driver and other accountable parties. Civil suits can provide compensation for:
Funeral and burial expenses
Loss of financial support and future earnings
Emotional pain and suffering
Potential claims where over‑service of alcohol or other negligence contributed
At Haggard Crime Victim Attorney, a division of The Haggard Law Firm, attorney Michael Haggard, Esq. and his team specialize in representing victims and families impacted by DUI fatalities and catastrophic collisions. We focus on helping clients in all 50 states recover compensation while you simultaneously cooperate with criminal investigations. Our services include:
Free consultation to assess your legal rights
No fees unless we secure compensation for you
National reach and experience in high‑stakes cases
If you or your family have been harmed by someone’s impaired driving, you do not have to navigate the aftermath alone. Reach out to us for guidance and advocacy.
The death of Khyree Jackson and his two friends serves as a sharp reminder of how one reckless decision—driving while intoxicated and at extreme speed—can destroy multiple lives and devastate families. The community of Upper Marlboro, the Vikings organization, and the families of the victims continue to honor their memory and advocate for safer roads.
As sentencing and legal proceedings advance, families must access support, both emotional and legal. Civil law does not replace the lives lost—but it offers a path to hold individuals accountable, secure financial support, and preserve the memory of those who were taken too soon.
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