Chandler Jones, a former student and football star at Bishop Montgomery High School in Torrance who went on to San José State where he still holds records as a wide receiver, was struck and killed by a vehicle Sunday, according to multiple media reports.
The 33-year-old Los Angeles native was declared dead after reportedly being struck by a motorist in a Toyota RAV4 at around 2 a.m. near the Centinela Avenue off-ramp of the eastbound 90 Freeway, officials at the California Highway Patrol told MyNewsLA.
The exact details of the incident have not yet been released, but at least one outlet described the incident as a “vehicle-pedestrian collision.”
“Forever in our hearts, #89,” officials with the San José State football program posted to X, formerly Twitter, Monday afternoon. “In loving memory of Spartan wide receiver and coach, Chandler Jones.”
An honorable mention All-American wide receiver, Jones continues to hold several San José State football program records, including the Spartans’ career leader in catches and receiving touchdowns, CBS Sports reported.
Jones made it to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Cleveland Browns practice squads in 2014 before moving to the Canadian Football League where he was on the practice squad for the Montreal Alouettes and, in 2016, joined the team’s active roster.
He made his way back to SJSU and worked on the coaching staff as a graduate assistant in 2017 and in 2023 and 2024, returned to the Alouettes as an assistant defensive backs coach.
“My heart is broken at the news of losing this incredible person,” former SJSU coach Brent Brennan told CBS Sports. “Our thoughts and prayers go out to his friends and family. From his freshman year as a WR to coaching on our staff, he made [SJSU football] better every day. The Jet was special. Love you brother.”