Ex-Penn State football defender AJ Lytton reportedly passes away in crash

Former Penn State football and Florida State cornerback AJ Lytton has reported passed away as the result of a crash early this weekend. The incident also appears to have tragically claimed the lives of two others: ex-Maryland and Charlotte defensive back Isaiah Hazel and former Alabama, Oregon, and Minnesota Vikings rookie cornerback Khyree Jackson.

The mother of Khyree Jackson confirmed to TMZ Sports that her son had passed away due to a crash in Upper Marlboro, Maryland, early Saturday morning.

According to initial reporting from the Maryland State Police, the Dodge Charger occupied by Lytton, Jackson, and Hazel was hit by another vehicle attempting to change lanes at a high rate of speed. The Charger subsequently traveled off of the right side of the road and struck multiple tree stumps where it came to rest. Investigators believe alcohol may have been a contributing circumstance in the crash.

Hazel and Jackson were pronounced deceased on the scene by emergency medical service personnel.  Lytton was transported to the University of Maryland Capital Region Medical Center, where he was later pronounced deceased by hospital personnel.

Incredibly sad. pic.twitter.com/JDqvlIH8Xn

— Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) July 6, 2024

The Dr. Henry A. Wise athletic department, where all three attended high school, posted a tribute on social media Saturday morning. AJ Lytton, Khyree Jackson, and Isaiah Hazel helped lead Wise to three undefeated Maryland state championship seasons between 2015 and 2017.

The Dr. Henry A. Wise Athletic Department sends condolences to the families and mourns the loss of Khyree Jackson (State Champ 2016 c/o '17) Anthony Lytton, Jr. (AJ) (State Champ 2015,16,17 c/o '18) and Isaiah Hazel (State Champ 2015, 16, 17 c/o '19). #OnceAPumaAlwaysAPuma pic.twitter.com/8SsQEgbR0G

— Wise Athletics (@WisePumaSports) July 6, 2024

AJ Lytton spent two seasons at Florida State before transferring to Penn State football for the 2021 season. He primarily served as a reserve cornerback and on special teams, recording one tackle in 11 games. Lytton entered the transfer portal after one season with the Nittany Lions.

During his time with the Seminoles, Lytton appeared in 22 games and made one start. He recorded 28 total tackles across the two seasons; his first career interception came against then-No. 2 Clemson in 2018.

As a high school recruit, AJ Lytton was named the 2017 Maryland Gatorade Player of the Year and was the No. 8 cornerback in the country, according to 247Sports.

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