Former San Jose State star wide receiver Chandler Jones died at the age of 33 after being hit by a vehicle, the program announced Monday.
Jones was struck by a Toyota RAV4 early Sunday morning at around 2 a.m., the California Highway Patrol told MyNewsLA, and he was declared dead at the scene.
The incident reportedly occurred near an off-ramp of the eastbound 90 freeway.
“Forever in our hearts, #89,” the San Jose State football program’s X accounted post posted Monday. “In loving memory of Spartan wide receiver and coach, Chandler Jones.”
Jones had a terrific four-year career with the Spartans from 2010-13, leaving as the program’s all-time leader in receptions (248) and touchdown receptions (29).
He notched at least 50 catches in each of his four seasons, and he tallied 79 receptions for 1,356 yards in 2013, his senior year.
He earned first-team All-Mountain West honors that campaign, was named an honorable mention All-America wide receiver and played in the East-West Shrine Game.
“My heart is broken at the news of losing this incredible person. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his friends and family,” Brent Brennan, who was Jones’ head coach at San Jose State, posted on X.
“From his freshman year as a WR, to coaching on our staff, he made @SanJoseStateFB better everyday. ‘The Jet’ was special. Love you brother.”
Following graduation, Jones spent time on the practice squad of the Buccaneers, Colts and Browns in 2014 and the CFL’s Montreal Alouettes in 2015.
He was on their active roster for the 2016 season, before returning to San Jose State as a graduate assistant in 2017.
Jones also had coaching stints with the Alouettes and the College of Idaho.
Before he dominated at San Jose State, Jones cemented himself as a local football legend at Bishop Montgomery High School in Torrance, Calif., earning the nickname “The Jet.”
“It is with great sadness that we share the passing of alum, Chandler Jones ‘09,” Bishop Montgomery’s official Facebook account posted. “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).”
