The 19-year-old goalkeeper for NCAA Division III national champion Gustavus Adolphus College women’s hockey team was killed and three of her teammates were injured in a tragic car crash in rural Minnesota on Sunday.
Jori Jones passed away due to injuries suffered from the collision, according to the Minneapolis Star-Tribune. All four women in the vehicle were transported to nearby Montevideo Hospital.
The SUV the NCAA star was riding in was being driven by teammate Gianna Gasparini, 19, who survived with non-life-threatening injuries.
Investigators say their vehicle was traveling eastbound on Highway 40 in Chippewa County around 12:40 p.m. when their SUV collided at a four-way intersection with a mini-van. Investigators say one of the vehicles failed to stop for a stop sign but did not specify which one.
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The four young women were freshman members of the 2022-23 Gustavus squad that beat Amherst College 2-1 in triple overtime to claim the NCAA Division III National Championship. Head coach Mike Carroll told the Star Tribune that the teammates had been traveling back from an off-season trip to Aberdeen, South Dakota “to see each other and enjoy their company” when the accident occurred.
Carroll then complimented Jori Jones for her attitude and work ethic.
“She was more quiet by nature, just led by example by her hard work… she always had a smile on her face,” Gustavus head coach Mike Carroll said. “She will truly be missed.”
Today, we are leaving our sticks out for Jori Jones, her family and friends, the Roseville hockey community, and the Gustavus Adolphus College community. 💚 🕊️ ❤️ #SticksOutForJori pic.twitter.com/BqUX1YekwP
— Minnesota Wild (@mnwild) August 22, 2023
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