UPPER MARLBORO, Md. — Thousands were expected to attend a celebration of life service for two of three high school football players killed in a crash earlier this month. Khyree Jackson, Isaiah Hazel and A.J. Lytton died after another driver hit the car they were in, sending them off the road on July 6.
Family, friends, and coaches from Wise High school, the University of Maryland and the Minnesota Vikings – who just drafted Khyree Jackson – were at the service.
Inside the sanctuary, red and gold lights were displayed on one half and purple and gold displayed on the other side – an ode to both the University of Maryland football team, for Isaiah Hazel, and the Minnesota Vikings, for Khyree Jackson.
It was an emotional service for many who attended celebrating the lives of these childhood best friends and standout football players. Makeshift goal posts, cleats, and the men's Wise High School jerseys were on full display between their caskets.
"Khyree and Isaiah were both incredible men, but they were both on a clock," said Minister Joshua Jenkins.
Dozens stood up to share their memories of the two men, including Jackson's grandfather.
"Grandson, I will see you."
Jackson was just started his NFL career after being drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in the spring.
The Vikings organization presented Jackson’s parents with his purple helmet during the service. Head coach Kevin O'Connell said the team plans to honor Jackson this season with his initials painted on its practice field, decals on helmets, and Khyree's locker set up in both the practice facility and home stadium.
"Although he was a rookie, it was undeniable the focus and commitment for what was out in front of him the grit of overcoming certain obstacles throughout his football journey. The way we will really honor Khyree is work like he worked ... commit to something bigger than ourselves ... no matter how short of a time it was, he made us better ... he proved it possible to overcome adversity and be best version of self. Thank you Khyree for being everything we had hoped for," said Coach O'Connell.
The Prince George’s County State's Attorney Aisha Braveboy and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken wrote letters to both families. Hazel’s high school teacher and mentor teared up while remembering her former student.
"Isaiah was a kind soul who loved deeply and made a lasting impact on everyone he met. His drive resilience and unwavering spirit were a testament to his character, said Nathalie Rosales.
A spokesperson for the funeral home says both Hazel and Jackson will be buried next to each other. Another good friend of both men, and wise high school teammate, AJ Lytton, was also killed in the same accident. His service was held earlier this week.
Nearly three weeks later, officials have not announced any charges in the crash. Friday's service is for Jackson and Hazel at First Baptist Church of Glenarden in Upper Marlboro. All three men killed were close friends and played together on Wise High School's 2016 stat championship team.
Hazel went on to play football for the University of Maryland. Lytton spent time at Penn State and was set to play for Bowie State in the fall. Jackson was recently drafted to the NFL by the Minnesota Vikings.
The Vikings say Jackson's locker will remain empty and his number will not be reassigned this season. They also said they would pay Jackson's signing bonus of more than $827,000 to his estate, with the NFL Players Association able to offer even more financial assistance to his family.
The team will also have decals honoring Jackson on their helmets.
Back when the crash happened, WUSA9 spoke with one of their former coaches at Wise.
"I love them and I wish I could say it to them one more time," said Steve Rapp. "The legacy of those guys is going to live on forever."
The community held a vigil for all three at Wise High School two weeks ago. Unfortunately, as attendees were leaving, someone ended up shooting two people, killing a young man who was friends with the players.
Police are still searching for that shooter and offering a $25,000 reward to anyone with information that leads to an arrest and conviction.