Khyree Jackson
Minnesota Vikings rookie cornerback Khyree Jackson was tragically killed on July 6 in a three-car crash in his hometown of Upper Marlboro, Maryland. Jackson was selected by the Vikings in the fourth round of the 2024 draft and was considered a contender to start at cornerback.
Tyka Evene Nelson
Tyka Evene Nelson, an American singer and sister of Prince, died on Nov. 4 at age 64. Born in Minneapolis to jazz musicians John L. Nelson and Mattie Della Shaw, Tyka released four albums during her career, with her 1988 single “Marc Anthony’s Tune” reaching No. 33 on the Billboard R&B charts. She accepted Prince’s American Music Award for Top Soundtrack in 2016 and co-designed his urn. Tyka retired from music in June 2024 due to illness. She is survived by her two sons, Sir and President, five grandchildren, and three half-siblings. Tyka’s talent and devotion to her family will be deeply missed.
James “Jim” Allen Cook, Sr.
James Allen Cook, Sr. died on June 24 at 80. Cook was a visionary entrepreneur and community leader. After a successful career at IBM, he founded Quality House International, Urban Marketing Channels, and the community organizations Amen Corner and Communities of Light.
Susan Ellis Crutchfield
Susan Ellis Crutchfield, a pioneering physician and devoted family matriarch, died on March 16 at 83. A trailblazer in health care and advocate for equity, Dr. Crutchfield’s illustrious career spanned groundbreaking medical achievements and leadership roles, including as the youngest and first Black woman to graduate from the University of Minnesota Medical School.
Christopher Ellis Crutchfield
Christopher Ellis Crutchfield, a tireless champion of racial equity and social justice, passed away on Nov. 4 at 54. Crutchfield was born in St. Paul to a distinguished family of doctors and lawyers as the son of Dr. Charles E. Crutchfield and the late Dr. Susan Ellis Crutchfield. He attended Morehouse College in Atlanta, where he graduated magna cum laude in 1992, and the University of Minnesota Law School, graduating in 1999. At the time of his death, Crutchfield was CEO of Ujamaa Place, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering and supporting young Black men facing systemic barriers and challenges, a position he held for two years before his passing. But the entirety of his life was one of outstanding service to the community.
Dr. Marvin Trammel
Marvin Trammel, an educational leader, business executive, and entrepreneur, died on Jan. 27 at 85. He earned his Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees from Kansas University and a Doctor of Philosophy degree from The University of Minnesota. He moved to Minneapolis in 1964 to teach English at Edison High School and quickly moved up the ranks as an assistant principal at North High School and as principal at Central High School before becoming an Area Superintendent of the Minneapolis Public School District. After a successful career in education, he worked for Pillsbury and General Mills and mentored countless young men and women.
Jamal Mitchell
Minneapolis Police Officer Jamal Mitchel was ambushed, shot and killed in the line of duty on May 30. He was 36. Mitchell answered a call of two people shot inside an apartment complex on the 2200 block of Blaisdell Avenue South in the South Minneapolis neighborhood of Whittier. He was about two blocks from the complex when he noticed people who were injured. He got out of his car to provide aid to one man, who ended up shooting Mitchell.