Former San José State football star and coach Chandler Jones tragically lost his life in a highway accident on June 22 at the young age of 33. Reports indicate that he was struck by a Toyota RAV4 while driving on California State Route 90 in Los Angeles around 2:00 a.m. He sustained severe injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene by the Los Angeles Medical Examiner’s Office.
Jones was fondly remembered by the San José State Football team, which shared a heartfelt tribute stating, “Forever in our hearts, #89 In loving memory of Spartan wide receiver and coach, Chandler Jones.” The tribute was accompanied by a picture of him in action.
Hailing from Bishop Montgomery High School in Torrance, California, Jones was a standout player who went on to excel at San José State from 2010 to 2013. During his college career, he achieved a remarkable 29 touchdown receptions and made 248 catches overall. In his final year, he earned first-team All-Mountain West honors with an impressive 79 receptions for 1,356 yards.
Jones had brief stints with NFL teams, including the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Indianapolis Colts, and Cleveland Browns. He later played in the Canadian Football League for the Montreal Alouettes in 2016 and took on coaching roles at the Alouettes and the College of Idaho.
Bishop Montgomery High School expressed their sorrow over his passing, highlighting his record for the longest kick-off return and longest fumble recovery. They extended their condolences to his family and friends, reminding everyone of their school spirit with the phrase, “#onceaknightalwaysaknight.”
As the community mourns his loss, Jones’s memory will continue to shine brightly among all who knew him.
