MONTEVIDEO, Minn. — A former Gustavus women's hockey player is now charged in a crash that claimed the life of her friend and teammate in southwestern Minnesota.
Prosecutors charged 20-year-old Gianna Gasparini with a single count of gross misdemeanor reckless driving for her role in the death of Jori Jones of Little Canada on Aug. 20, 2023.
Gasparini, Jones and two teammates were returning from a road trip to Aberdeen, SD when the state patrol said the SUV they were riding in collided with a minivan at the intersection of Highways 40 and 29. Jones died of her injuries and the three others were hurt.
At the time investigators did not say who was at fault, but a criminal complaint issued Friday says witness told investigators Gasparini was traveling at a high rate of speed and ran the stop sign, colliding with the van.
The State Patrol reconstructed the crash and determined Gasparini was driving at nearly 80 mph prior to the crash and between 55 and 65 mph when the two vehicles collided.
When interviewed by investigators Gasparini reportedly said she had never been on that road before and that she has ADD and usually takes Adderall but did not take it that morning. "... it helps me focus better," she said. A breath test showed no alcohol in her system.
Jones was beloved both by teammates and her community, known for her constant smile, positive attitude and tremendous work ethic.
"It’s gut-wrenching. It’s life-changing. This is a loss for the Jones family but also for the entire community, and it shows by who showed up. She was just such a beautiful soul inside and out,” said Gretchen Hopeman, a family friend and president of Roseville Area Youth Hockey, at the time of the fatal crash.
“Jori was a light. She was the brightest soul and she lit up the room every single time she walked into a room,” added Gustavus teammate Brooke Power,