Chandler Jones, Former San José State Football Star, Dies in Highway Crash at 33: Reports
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).
Advertisement
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
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.
Advertisement
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
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.
Advertisement
'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
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
38 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Vital wins Democratic primary for Spring Valley mayor: Results of Spring Valley races
SPRING VALLEY - Former Clarkstown Democratic Party chair Schenley Vital surged to victory over four rivals in the Democratic Party primary for village mayor, as Trustee Joseph Gross and former Trustee Sherry McGill won two available seats on the Board of Trustees in a three-way primary, according to unofficial results from the Rockland County Board of Elections. With registered Democrats holding a voter registration edge and strong support from the Hasidic Jewish bloc vote, Vital is likely to become the village's next mayor in the Nov. 4 election. The term is four years, starting in December. In November, Vital will face Aaron Stern, who won the Republican primary over Democrat Darnett E. Davis, one of the candidates who lost to Vital. Spring Valley is a predominantly working-class village with pockets of families relying on social services and other government programs. The government has a history of conflicts between the mayor and some of the trustees. A former mayor and trustee were convicted of taking bribes during a federal government sting operation involving a Monsey developer. The village comprises several voting blocs, including the Hasidic Jewish voters, Haitian and other voters who hail from Caribbean nations like Jamaica, and Hispanic voters. Vital garnered 627 votes, outdistancing former Trustee Eudson Francois with 421 tallies. Former Mayor Noramie Jasmin, attempting a second comeback after serving a federal prison term for accepting bribes, received 196 votes, as Davis with 186 votes and Chrispin Eugene with 41 tallies trailed the field. Vital, who lives in Clarkstown with his family, must establish residency in Spring Valley if he becomes mayor. He ran with Trustee Joseph Gross and newcomer Yakov Yosef Kaufman, who is active in the Orthodox Jewish community and is a member of Chaverim of Rockland, a volunteer emergency services organization that helps residents in need and works with the police. Vital, Gross, and Kaufman benefited from the support of the village's Hasidic Jewish bloc vote. They had met with rabbinical leaders, posing for photos printed in the local blogs covering the village and religious community. McGill became the leading vote-getter for the Board of Trustees spots. She's a former Spring Valley trustee and currently serves on the East Ramapo Board of Education. McGill, a teacher with a master's degree in special education, garnered 763 votes, according to the Board of Elections' unofficial results. Gross received 725 votes, while Kaufman trailed with 619 votes. Two-term Mayor Alan Simon, who took office in December 2017, declined to seek another four-year term. Simon won a Democratic Party primary in September 2017 against then-Mayor Demeza Delhomme before cruising to victory in November. Simon's departure in December will end his controversial two terms. Elected after being disbarred and removed as a judge, Simon became known for his public outbursts, which included cursing and yelling at residents, trustees, and staff, as well as threats to fire government workers and police officers who refused his order to arrest people. During his tenure, the village government saw the Building Department taken over by the state for a lack of enforcement. The county government now inspects and prosecutes violations of fire and safety codes. Incumbent village justice James Mellion and Justin Sweet won three-way primaries for the Democratic, Republican, Conservative, and Working Families ballot lines in November. They defeated attorney Ariel Dahan. Steve Lieberman covers government, breaking news, courts, police, and investigations. Reach him at slieberm@ Twitter: @lohudlegal. Read more articles and bio. Our local coverage is only possible with support from our readers. This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: Schenley Vital wins Democratic primary for Spring Valley mayor
Yahoo
38 minutes ago
- Yahoo
MLS at 30: 15 Stranger-Than-Fiction Stories
Our MLS at 30 series continues with a wild look at 15 strange, bizarre, or downright unbelievable stories from across the league's three-decade history. From odd player requests and wrong signings to mascots being ejected and clubs sued over their name, these tales remind us just how weird and unpredictable Major League Soccer can be. As MLS celebrates its 30th season, we've dug through the archives to uncover some of the league's weirdest moments — some from the early days, others from recent years. Advertisement Yes, MLS has grown tremendously, but it hasn't always been smooth sailing. Along the way, there have been missteps, misfires, and some truly bizarre decisions. Below are 15 of the strangest stories we could find. (Honorable mentions include Jorge Campos reportedly asking for a Ferrari to sign with LA Galaxy, Crew Cat getting red carded, and the league's first celebrity All-Star Game in 1998.) Enjoy the misadventures of MLS! Kansas City Wiz — But Not for Long Stephen Dunn/Allsport/Getty Images In 1996, Kansas City kicked off its MLS existence with an unorthodox name, the Wiz — a nod to the city's connection to The Wizard of Oz — and a loud, garish kit. After one season, the club quietly rebranded to the 'Wizards' due to a trademark dispute with electronics chain Nobody Beats The Wiz. Instead of going to court, MLS, cash-strapped in its early days, simply tweaked the name and moved on. In 2011, the club would change its name once more, to a more Euro-sounding Sporting Kansas City. D.C. United Takes Soccer to Prison In 2024, D.C. United partnered with the D.C. Department of Corrections and the Twinning Project to bring soccer to local prisons. Starting in August, coaches from the club and its academy ran weekly training sessions at the Central Detention Facility to promote physical wellness and help inmates develop life skills for reintegration into society — one of the league's more progressive initiatives. Alexi Lalas' Rock Album In 1998, Alexi Lalas was struggling with the MetroStars, made a forgettable appearance at the World Cup with the United States men's national team, and released a rock album titled Ginger that no one asked for. It was panned by critics and ignored by fans. Strangely, Lalas has released eight albums, most of them timed suspiciously close to World Cups. Coincidence? Rhett Harty: From MLS Pioneer to Medical ProfessionalAdvertisement Defender Rhett Harty was part of the first trade in league history and a standout on a struggling MetroStars side. But in a lesser-known twist, he was involved in an antitrust lawsuit against MLS over its single-entity structure. After being lowballed on a new contract, Harty left pro soccer entirely and pursued a career in medicine. Alain Sutter Wanted to Tour America — Literally Stephen Dunn / Allsport Swiss international Alain Sutter, one of MLS's early marquee players, requested to be traded to a different team each season so he could 'see the country.' The league declined and assigned him to Dallas, where he impressed until a fluke injury — stepping in a hole — ended his career in 1998. Chivas USA: A Cultural Experiment Gone WrongAdvertisement Chivas USA was created to attract Mexican-American fans in Los Angeles and throughout the country, but the project backfired. The club was accused of hiring based on ethnicity, leading to a discrimination lawsuit by former staff who claimed they were let go for not being Latino. Combined with poor management and declining support, MLS shut the team down in 2014. MetroStars Sign the Wrong Palacios? Image via MetroFanatic In 1998, the MetroStars signed Colombian defender Jose Arley Palacios — but many believe they meant to sign his more famous brother, Everth Palacios, who had just played in the World Cup. The team's yearbook reportedly used Everth's bio by mistake. It's never been officially confirmed, but the rumors never died. Eric Wynalda Pays for a 'Fire the Coach' BannerAdvertisement In 1996, Eric Wynalda feuded so badly with San Jose Clash coach Laurie Calloway that he paid for a plane to fly a banner over Spartan Stadium calling for Calloway's firing. That's next-level player-coach drama — even for Wynalda, who has never shied away from conflict throughout his career. David Beckham Booed by His Own Fans Despite being the league's biggest star, David Beckham was booed by LA Galaxy fans in 2009 after returning from a loan to AC Milan. Fans saw him as a part-time player who cared more about Europe than MLS — and let him know it, loudly and repeatedly. Inter Miami's Backdoor Into the Club World Cup Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images Advertisement When FIFA announced its new Club World Cup format, most assumed the MLS Cup winner would represent the league. But after Inter Miami won the Supporters' Shield with Lionel Messi, FIFA and MLS quickly named them the 'host representative,' bypassing the eventual MLS Cup winners, LA Galaxy. A convenient loophole? Absolutely. FIFA needed the ticket sales. MLS Abandons the U.S. Open Cup In 2024, MLS shocked fans by sending mostly reserve teams to the U.S. Open Cup, citing scheduling concerns and player fatigue. Critics saw it as disrespect toward the historic tournament — and a sign MLS is prioritizing its own competitions like the Leagues Cup. The panned move seems to now be taking a turn to redemption as some MLS teams have returned to the competition. Claudio Caniggia Deal Collapses Over Drug Test Shaun Botterill/ALLSPORT Advertisement In 1999, the MetroStars were reportedly close to signing Argentine legend Claudio Caniggia. Local Spanish-language media even broke the story. But according to a former team executive, the deal fell apart after Caniggia was asked to take a drug test and pulled out in protest and feeling insulted. He later returned to Serie A with Atalanta and made Argentina's 2002 World Cup squad. The MetroStars, meanwhile, continued to linger in mediocrity. Freddy Adu: The 14-Year-Old Savior Who Never Was At just 14, Freddy Adu became the youngest player in MLS history and was hailed as the next Pelé. Despite flashes of brilliance, he never lived up to the hype. His journey through Europe and lower-tier teams turned him into a symbol of mismanaged youth talent rather than a star. It also did not help the image of MLS that 30-year-olds were taking pride in smashing into a 14-year-old kid. Clint Mathis Blocked From Bayern MunichAdvertisement After starring in the 2002 World Cup, Clint Mathis drew interest from Bayern Munich — but MLS reportedly blocked the transfer. His form dipped, and he left on a free two years later. A prime example of MLS getting in its own way during the early days of player movement. The MLS Shootout: So American It Hurt From 1996 to 1999, MLS didn't allow regular season draws. Instead, tied games went to a 35-yard breakaway shootout, where players had five seconds to score one-on-one against the keeper. It was meant to appeal to American fans — but instead became a symbol of how out of touch the league was with global soccer norms.
Yahoo
38 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Taylor Swift Wows Fans with Surprise ‘Shake It Off' Performance at Boyfriend Travis Kelce's Tight Ends & Friends Concert
Taylor Swift gave a surprise performance at her boyfriend Travis Kelce's Tight Ends & Friends concert on Tuesday, June 24 The pop superstar sang her 2014 hit "Shake it Off" at the Brooklyn Bowl in Nashville Kelce founded Tight End University, an annual three-day summer training camp, alongside fellow NFL star George Kittle and sportscaster Greg OlsenTaylor Swift is a supportive girlfriend! On Tuesday, June 24, the pop superstar, 35, gave a surprise performance at her boyfriend Travis Kelce's Tight Ends & Friends concert at the Brooklyn Bowl in Nashville. Taking the stage at the concert, which is a part of Tight End University — the annual three-day summer training camp Kelce founded in 2021 with fellow NFL star George Kittle and sportscaster Greg Olsen — Swift performed her 2014 hit 'Shake it Off.' 'We would like to dedicate this to our favorite players who are going to play and these are the tight ends,' Swift said as she introduced the song while wearing a black mini dress and matching boots. 'I stay out too late,' she then began singing as the crowd went wild. Speaking about the surprise moment, an exclusive source told PEOPLE, 'Taylor surprised the crowd by joining Kane Brown onstage for 'Shake It Off.' The crowd lost their minds! At the end of her performance she made sure to thank the band and gave each one of them a hug.' The source added that Swift and Kelce, 35, arrived at Tuesday's event together in a black SUV. Never miss a story — sign up for to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. 'They made their way upstairs there they chatted with the TEU athletes and guests," the insider said. "Travis and Taylor stayed by each other's side all while chit chatting and catching up with everyone.' The source went on to share that Swift's 'face lit up around Travis" and she "enjoys letting him shine.' Along with her own performance, the musician was also seen dancing to Chase Rice's performance of his song 'Cruise.' 'She sang along with George Kittle, having the best time,' the source told PEOPLE, adding that Swift danced on a balcony at the venue while holding a drink in her hand. is now available in the Apple App Store! Download it now for the most binge-worthy celeb content, exclusive video clips, astrology updates and more! 'Taylor was having the best time watching all the country music artists and showing her support for them,' they continued. Ahead of the event, the venue's website teased that "surprise musical guests" were set to perform, along with artists Jordan Davis, Chase Rice, Sophia Scott and Graham Barham. ! Swift's surprise performance comes after she and Kelce made what fans were calling their "red carpet debut" at the Tight End University's opening night ceremony on June 23. A video posted by the Tight End University Instagram page shows the couple beaming as they walk a red carpet into the event while hand-in-hand. According to the event's website, the camp was founded to help tight ends "bond, collaborate with, and learn amongst their peers while participating in a variety of activities including film study, on-field drills, recovery, rehabilitation, and more." Read the original article on People
