Khyree Jackson and Anthony Jackson (Photos via real_Khyree/IG & MLFootball/X)

Khyree Jackson’s grandfather spoke to reporters after the shocking and untimely death of the Minnesota Vikings rookie this weekend.

Khyree and two of his friends, Isaiah Hazel and Anthony Lytton Jr., were the victims of a fatal three-vehicle crash in Maryland on Saturday morning, prompting a mournful state around the football world.

Anthony Jackson, the late cornerback’s grandfather, joined family and friends at the scene of the accident after the crash. He told WRC-TV the family was proud of his grandson’s accomplishments, saying Khyree was doing the best he could in life.

“(Khyree Jackson was) doing the best that he could possibly do in life and with the family,” he said.

DeLawn Parrish, who coached and taught all three of the young men, said they served as motivators for him.

He told WRC-TV Khyree’s “belief in himself was incredible.”

Khyree Jackson Took An Unusual Path To The NFL

Khyree Jackson committed to Arizona Western after high school but ended up quitting football due to homesickness. He worked at a grocery store deli in Maryland before returning to play for Fort Scott Community College.

He would get a Division I opportunity with Alabama, eventually moving to Oregon, where he impressed enough to be drafted by the Minnesota Vikings.

His grandfather says he “always had high aspirations.”

“We’re going to try to get through this as best as we possibly can,” he added.

Our thoughts remain with Khyree Jackson’s family through this trying time.