Print this story |
E-mail story |
This story has 8 comments Add your own |
iPod friendly | Bookmark this
What is this?
Friends remember former Selma High School player
Published Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Richelle Jones
Family, friends, coaches and fellow players were shocked by the news of a Selma teen’s death in a car accident.
Richelle Jones, 18, died following a single-vehicle wreck Monday night in Wilcox County.
“She had a special bond with her father, and he was excited about her playing basketball,” said Maleka Sanders-Fortier, Jones’ godmother. “She also shared a special relationship with her mother. Richelle was very close to her sister, Lisa. They were best friends and were roommates in college.”
Sanders-Fortier said Jones cared about giving back to the community and helped out whatever way she could.
Four passengers accompanied Jones in the car — Kalyn Chestang, 21; Labaugh Nicholson, 18; Garry Nicholson Jr., 17 and Tyson Knight, 20. All were transported to J. Paul Johns Hospital in Camden.
“The initial report stated Ms. Jones was driving south on Alabama Highway 21 about 10 miles from Oak Hill, Ala., in Wilcox County,” said Alabama State Police public information officer Trooper John Reese. “She lost control of [a 1999 Ford Crown Victoria] and left the road. The car collided with a tree and overturned.”
Due to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, authorities were unable to release information on the condition of the four passengers.
Jones graduated from Selma High School in May and went on to play basketball for Alabama State University.
ASU women’s basketball coach Freda Freeman-Jackson declined to comment through a school spokesperson.
Jones had played for Anthony Harris at Selma High School since her freshman year. The coach remembered her as a driven, amusing and kind person.
“She was very studious,” he said. “Richelle was always humorous and just a nice person to be around.”
Friend and former ROTC member Tamara Lewis remembered Jones as a fun-loving person.
“Two Christmases ago we had a sleepover with a lot of people,” Lewis said. “I remember Richelle and everyone dancing around. She was always so much fun.”
As a true freshman center this season, Jones scored four points with two steals, three blocks and two assists in eight games with the Hornets. She was majoring in physical therapy.
Jones was the second ASU basketball player to die this year. Men’s player Deshean Porchea died in April during a pickup game after collapsing and never regaining consciousness.
Jones followed Erica Lumpkin, who graduated from Selma a year before, to ASU.
Beyond the basketball court, Jones lived a happy life with her family.
“When an elder dies you can say they had a good full life, but when younger people die it is hard to accept it,” Harris said. “My prayers are with her family.”
WOULD YOU LIKE TO SHARE THIS STORY?
Comments
Posted by MintJulep (anonymous) on December 23, 2008 at 11:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)
My thoughts and prayers will be with the family and friends of Ms. Jones.
Posted by kbear0013 (anonymous) on December 23, 2008 at 11:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Nikki and Richard, I am so sorry to hear. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Lisa I love and miss you. I wish I could be there. But just know that I am thinking of you and I am here if you need me. I love and miss you all. Vickie and Family
Posted by saints_vball_9 (anonymous) on December 24, 2008 at 12:29 a.m. (Suggest removal)
R.I.P. Richelle...You truly will be missed...
Posted by praize (anonymous) on December 24, 2008 at 8:10 a.m. (Suggest removal)
My prayers go out to this family, I do not know them but I am a mother and I have a child. I am going to be praying for the Jones family. May God continuly bless you. My heart is really heart you just do not know. I guess it is because I have a heart for people and this is at the holiday season that their loved one is gone. So please everyone that knows how to pray and do it sincerely, Please pray for this family.
Posted by keepnitreal (anonymous) on December 24, 2008 at 9:42 a.m. (Suggest removal)
TO THE FAMILY: GOD WILL SEE YOU ALL THROUGH THIS TIME OF SORROW. CONTINUE TO LOOK TO THE HILLS FROM WHICH COMETH YOUR HELP!! MY HEART AND PRAYERS GO OUT TO THE FAMILY. GOD IS ABLE TO CARRY YOU THROUGH!!
Posted by jbrust (anonymous) on December 24, 2008 at 10:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I remember so many great moments with Richelle at Selma High. As one of her teachers, I watched her mature from a giggly ninth grade girl into a lovely young woman as a senior last year. She was always a helpful, respectful and beautiful young woman who her parents should be very proud to have raised. She was a credit to Selma High in every way. I know that I am very shocked and saddened at this loss. My heartfelt sympathy goes out to her family and friends. My prayers are with you
Jeanne Brust (Hathcock)
Posted by GoldenWings (anonymous) on December 30, 2008 at 6:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I wish I could be there for you, and am keeping you close in my thoughts & prayers. I am so sorry for your loss. When I think of Chelle, I hear that big laugh of hers--it seemed to fill the room. She was so smart, determined and beautiful. She would be the first person to help someone (even before they could ask). I will miss her. My love and prayers are with all of you <3 Lynette, Davin & Jaelynn
Posted by pford8207 (anonymous) on January 1, 2009 at 2:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Our prayers and thoughts are continually being sent your way in this most difficult time for your family. We are here for you and will be here if ever you need. Though miles may separate our families, just know we're only a phone call away. She was a beautiful beam of light that shined on all who knew her. Please be strong Nikki God will see you and your family through.
Love always,
Pam, Persha, Percy Jr., Percy Ford, Sr.
Post a comment (Terms of Use Policy)
(Requires free registration.)