Former San Jose State Football Star Killed In Los Angeles Crash

SAN JOSE, CA — Chandler Jones, a former star player with the San Jose State Spartans, was killed in a freeway crash in Los Angeles early Sunday morning, according to authorities.

Jones, 33, was struck and killed by an SUV around 2 a.m. while on Marina (90) Freeway near the Centinela Avenue off-ramp, according to the California Highway Patrol. He died from his injuries at the scene.

Before attending San Jose State, Jones was a star on the Bishop Montgomery football team in Torrance, a suburb of Los Angeles County. He still holds the record for longest kick-off return and fumble recovery — 97 yards and 98 yards, respectively, at the high school. He graduated in 2009 and went on to attend San Jose State University and then professionally in the NFL.

In a statement on Monday, the Catholic High School said they shared the news of Jones' passing with a "great sadness."

"Our heartfelt condolences and prayers go out to Chandler's family and friends," the statement read.

Jones thrived as a wide receiver during his career at San Jose State, finishing his career as the university's leader in number of receptions with 248 and touchdown receptions with 31.

During a breakout 2013 season, he recorded 79 catches, 1,356 yards and 15 touchdowns for the Spartans — enough to earn him a first-team All-Mountain West selection.

"He is the only player in school history to catch at least 50 passes in a season in all four seasons and one of four Spartans with 60 or more receptions in two different seasons," according to the university's website.

After a short-lived NFL and CFL career, Jones returned to the Spartans as a member of the coaching staff and graduate assistant in 2017.