Gustavus women’s hockey player killed, 3 other Gusties injured in weekend crash

Four members of the national champion Gustavus Adolphus Women’s Hockey team were among five people hurt — one fatally — in a weekend crash.

According to the Minnesota State Patrol, an eastbound Chevrolet Equinox on Highway 40 approached the intersection with Highway 29 just after 12:40 p.m. Sunday. At the same time, a southbound Dodge Caravan on Highway 29 also approached the intersection.

The State Patrol adds one of the vehicles didn’t stop at the intersection, which caused the collision. It wasn’t immediately clear which one didn’t stop.

The four Gustavus players were in the Equinox. Authorities say 19-year-old Jori Lynn Jones of Little Canada, a passenger in the vehicle, died from her injuries.

The other three players have been identified as 19-year-old Gianna Kat Gasparinin, 19-year-old Lily Kay Mortenson, and 20-year-old Kayla Marie Bluhm. All three were all taken to Montevideo Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries but have since been released.

The driver of the Caravan, identified as a 28-year-old Benson woman, was taken to Benson Hospital, also with non-life-threatening injuries.

Craig Rosenthal, Jones’ former high school coach in Roseville, told 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS that the Jones family is a staple in the Roseville hockey community and he’s mourning Jori’s loss.

“It’s extremely difficult to process right now, I’m still in a state of disbelief. My heart aches for her mom, dad, brother and sister,” Rosenthal said.

Additionally, said her personality will stick with him.

“Jori loved hockey and was the best teammate in the locker room. She came to the rink every day with a positive attitude,” Rosenthal said. “I’ve coached high school hockey for 17 years and Jori had one of the best personalities of all my players. She always said ‘Hello Craig’ with a big smile on her face and I will cherish that memory forever.”

Everyone was reported to be wearing their seat belts and alcohol isn’t listed as a factor.