Women's Ice Hockey Jordan Modjeski and CJ Siewert, Gustavus Adolphus College

Gustavus community celebrates the life of Jori Jones

SAINT PETER, Minn. — The Gustavus community and women's hockey team suffered an immeasurable loss, as the life of Jori Jones, rising sophomore goaltender, was taken in a tragic car accident on August 20.

Over the last few weeks, an outburst of support for the Jones family and the Gustavus women's hockey team has poured in from across the country. Teams, coaches, athletes, businesses, fellow Gusties, and strangers alike have shown their love and support for all those who cared for Jori, who is remembered as a talented athlete and a beautiful soul, known for her infectious smile and genuine spirit.

As students return to campus and players return to the court, field, and ice, the Gustavus community continues to remember the life of Jori Jones, and will honor her formally this week. 

The College will host a private Celebration of Life on campus Tuesday, Sept. 12, at 10 a.m. A live stream will be available for those who wish to watch online. A memorial service will be held in Christ Chapel with a reception and light refreshments to follow. A tree and bench in the campus arboretum will be dedicated in Jori's honor after a generous donation from Gustavus alumni.

The Jones family will also celebrate Jori's life Thursday afternoon in Roseville, Minn. at the Guidant John Rose Oval Banquet Hall. The family has asked those attending to wear something fun – a jersey, funny t-shirt, favorite hoodie, cowboy hat, tennis shoes or sandals – in honor of Jori's outgoing personality and love for life.

More information can be found here.

Three other Gustie players – Lily Mortenson, Kayla Bluhm, and Gianna Gasparini – were injured in the crash, and a GoFundMe campaign has been created to be evenly split among the three families to aid in the expenses and ongoing costs associated with the tragic accident. 

Donations will assist with medical expenses and emotional support as they begin their healing journey. A link to the GoFundMe can be found here.

The families of Mortenson, Bluhm, and Gasparini have been thankful for all the support received and provided the following updates:

Lily Mortenson: "Overall, Lily is doing okay. Lily physically is still on the mend. She has a sprained PCL which she is on a rehab program given to her by the trainer. She sees the team doctor this week. She also suffered a bruised kidney and bladder which has since resolved. We are hoping she will be ready to go for the upcoming season. She is back at school with her friends and teammates, as that is where she wanted to be. The loss of Jori leaves a gaping hole for many, many people. Her teammates, coaches, and the whole Gustavus community has been a huge support system for Lily. The outpouring of love and support for Lily and our family has been nothing short of amazing. All the girls, and especially the Jones family, have a village of support rallying behind them." 

Kayla Bluhm: "The support from Gustavus, her teammates, parents and basically everyone has been outstanding for Kayla. She has been making positive progress each day and with school starting this week it has helped her in dealing with this accident while having the team around her 24-7. Kayla is still pretty sore and bruised but her breathing is getting a little better each day from her partially collapsed lung. She does have a goal of being ready for preseason practice in October. I know all the ladies will handle the mental piece differently in their own time and manner. Kayla really misses JJ's friendship and humor and is working through how to process this event with all ladies on the hockey team. There is strength in numbers and the Bluhm family really appreciates everyone that has been involved and supported these girls. Love and prayers for them all."

Gianna Gasparini: "We greatly appreciate the support from the Gustavus community and teammates, it has been unbelievable. Thank you for everything! Gianna's recovery mentally and physically has had its ups and downs as to be expected, like all who have had the pleasure to have known JJ there isn't a day that goes by in which she isn't in Gianna's thoughts. She misses her teammate and close friend and each day our prayers are directed towards JJ's family. Gianna had surgery last week on her right foot in order to repair the damage to several of her ligaments, in addition to having her right wrist put in a cast in order to heal properly. As a result of the injuries, she will be off her foot for the next 8-10 weeks. This past weekend Gianna had to make the hard decision to take the fall semester off in order to heal physically and mentally. She is planning to be back in school with her teammates in January in order to be a part of the Gustavus hockey program and community once again. As everyone in the community is learning how to navigate the events that transpired it is important to remember that we are all blessed for being a part of the team, program, and community the young women have at Gustavus. Prayers to all."

As athletic events return to campus, fall sport athletes continue to honor Jori's legacy with customized shirts created and inspired by the volleyball team to be worn on game days and during team warm-ups. The shirts, which remember Jori as "A Gustie Forever," are available for purchase at this link. The store will remain open to the public until Sept. 22.

Additional information and grief resources for students are available on campus and can be found here.