Hundreds of friends, family, and community members flocked to Upper Marlboro’s Wise High School on July 12, to honor the lives of Khyree Jackson, Anthony “AJ” Lytton, and Isaiah Hazel, three celebrated alumni who were tragically killed in a car accident on July 6.
Dozens filled the area outside of the Wise gym, where tributes to each young man were posted, as hundreds more sat in the gym’s blue and yellow bleachers.
The victims’ families, sitting front and center in the gym, all wore commemorative shirts, and those who entered the facility were given mini electric candles to illuminate the space for mourning. Officers from the Forest Heights Police Department, Seat Pleasant Police Department, and Sheriff’s Office were on site to direct traffic.
Jackson, Lytton and Hazel won state championships together before going on to play college football, and while the three had hung up their high school jerseys, they remained beloved by their Wise community.
“I stand before you tonight with a heavy heart as we gather to celebrate three young men. They were more than just names on a roster: they were dynamic football players, best of friends with unwavering support for each other, who excelled both on and off the football field,” said Wise principal Taryn Washington. “Their actions touched the entire Wise community, and their legacy is one of unwavering commitment and friendship. Let us carry forward the values they embodied: loyalty, and love.”
This year, Jackson was drafted in the fourth round by the Minnesota Vikings following his time at Alabama and Oregon. Hazel played for the University of Maryland, and Lytton played for Florida State, Penn State, and Bowie State University.
Wise High School Coach Steve Repp, Bowie State football coach Kyle Jackson, and University of Maryland head football coach Mike Locksley were just three of the numerous mentors who offered kind and commemorative words during the tribute.
“Legends. Legends are built in hard work, in perseverance and a strong spirit. I was blessed with the opportunity to build, hold accountable, and enjoy in their successes,” said Repp. “Our goal is to mold individuals who can be great community members, and to play elite football. They moved as a unit, they praised and supported each other, and made each other better consistently. They embraced change. Three legends with the same goals and aspirations. They have left an everlasting impression on all of us here.”
He cited their 2016 team, which all three men played on, as the best team he had ever coached. Locksley said Hazel was the first player he recruited to the Terps, by flipping his commitment from the University of West Virginia to Maryland.
One attendee wore a Hazel Terrapins jersey and University of Maryland gear could be spotted among the crowd. Behind the podium, where many offered words of encouragement and solace to those present, sat three yellow jerseys that each player had worn during their time at Wise.
“Today is not easy for any of us,” said Councilmember Wala Blegay (D- District 6). “In the time I’ve served on the Council, this is not the first time I’ve had to console young people we’ve lost. To the Wise community, I know this is really hard. My prayers are with you.”
State’s Attorney Aisha Braveboy also spoke at the vigil and promised to “seek the truth” in what led up to the accident that claimed the lives of the three beloved athletes.
Lytton’s celebration of life is scheduled for July 23 at the City of Praise in Landover, with a viewing at 9 a.m. until the start of the service at 11 a.m. A celebration of life for Hazel and Jackson is planned for July 26 at the First Baptist Church of Glenarden, with a viewing at 9 a.m. and service at 11 a.m..
Another Tragedy Strikes After the Vigil
After the event wrapped up, two vigil attendees were shot around 10 p.m.
“They were hardly 30 seconds away from here when they heard the gunshots, they turned around and they were right back on scene,” said PGPD Captain Sonny Batth. “They were the ones that initiated the initial call to our dispatch, so that’s when everybody started responding. No citizen called 911. It was the officer who initiated the call.”
One victim, identified as Shahid Omar Jr., was reportedly pronounced dead at a local hospital, and another victim has non-life-threatening injuries. Authorities do not currently have a motive or suspect.
Omar was planning to host a baby shower on July 12 for a son expected to be born this September.
Shahid’s father described the killing as “senseless” and his mother said he attended the vigil “as a sign of respect” to close friends.
“It’s not fair,” said Shahid’s father, Travis Clarke. “I’m sitting here today, and my son is gone.”
