NEED TO KNOW
-
Former San José State football star and coach Chandler Jones died in a highway incident on Sunday, June 22, according to reports
-
The 33-year-old was reportedly struck and killed by an SUV while driving on an eastbound highway in Los Angeles
-
Jones played for the Spartans from 2010 to 2013
Former San José State football star and coach Chandler Jones has died at 33.
The former wide receiver was reportedly killed after a Toyota RAV4 crashed into his vehicle near an off-ramp on California State Route 90 in Los Angeles at around 2:00 a.m. local time on Sunday, June 22, multiple outlets, including MyNewsLA and USA Today stated, citing the California Highway Patrol (CHP).
The Los Angeles Medical Examiner’s Office also confirmed to the outlets that he died at the scene from blunt force injuries.
“Forever in our hearts, #89 In loving memory of Spartan wide receiver and coach, Chandler Jones,” the San José State Football team wrote in a tribute post on X, alongside a black-and-white image of their late former player.
Thearon W. Henderson/Getty
Chandler Jones playing with San Jose State Spartans
Jones played high school football at Bishop Montgomery in Torrance, Calif., before joining the Spartans in 2010. While playing for San José State, he impressively scored 29 touchdown receptions and 248 receptions, per USA Today and the New York Post.
In his final year with the team in 2013, Jones racked up 79 receptions for 1,356 yards and secured first-team All-Mountain West honors as a wide receiver, according to the outlets.
Jones went on to appear in the practice NFL squads of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Indianapolis Colts and Cleveland Browns. He also played for the Canadian Football League’s Montreal Alouettes in 2016 and coached with the Alouettes and the College of Idaho, per USA Today.
Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
Brian Bahr/Getty
Chandler Jones
“It is with great sadness that we share the passing of alum, Chandler Jones ‘09. Jones was a standout player on Bishop’s football team and still holds the record for longest kick-off return (97 yards) and longest fumble recovery (98 yards),” Bishop Montgomery High School wrote in a statement on Facebook.
“Our heartfelt condolences and prayers go out to Chandler’s family and friends. #onceaknightalwaysaknight.”
PEOPLE has reached out to the CHP and the Los Angeles Medical Examiner’s Office for details.
Read the original article on People
