Kristian Ferrell
Ava Jones, a former Iowa women's basketball recruit, was forced to medically retire due to injuries sustained in a car accident in 2022. Jones and her family were struck by a car in Louisville, Kentucky, resulting in the death of her father, Trey Jones, and severe injuries to Jones, including a brain injury and multiple torn ligaments in her knees. In February 2025, Jones announced on social media that she had been diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma, a type of cancer. Despite the challenges, Jones remains positive and confident in her recovery, expressing gratitude for the support she has received and stating that her body is strong.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Ava Jones |
| Sport | Basketball |
| Team | Iowa Hawkeyes |
| Position | Recruit |
| Date of Incident | July 2022 |
| Location of Incident | Louisville, Kentucky |
| Incident Description | Jones and her family were struck by a car |
| Injuries Sustained | Traumatic brain injury, multiple torn ligaments in both knees |
| Father's Name | Trey Jones |
| Father's Status | Deceased |
| Mother's Name | Amy Jones |
| Mother's Status | Injured |
| Convicted Perpetrator | Michael Hurley |
| Charges | Murder, driving under the influence, three counts of assault |
| Sentence | 70-75 years in prison |
| Jones' Status | Medically retired from basketball, diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma |
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What You'll Learn
Ava Jones announces she has Hodgkin's lymphoma
Ava Jones, a former Iowa women's basketball recruit, has announced that she has been diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma. Jones made the announcement on social media, revealing that she received the news after a biopsy. This development comes just months after Jones was forced to medically retire from basketball due to severe injuries sustained in a car accident in July 2022.
In her social media post, Jones expressed her emotions about the diagnosis, stating, "This is the news no one ever wants to get, but especially after spending the last 2 and a half years working my butt off and recovering from getting hit by a car." She also displayed resilience and confidence in her ability to face this new challenge, saying, "My body is very strong, and I am confident in the doctors here at Iowa."
The car accident that preceded Jones' cancer diagnosis resulted in the tragic death of her father, Trey Jones, and caused Jones to suffer a traumatic brain injury and multiple torn ligaments in her knees. The accident occurred in Louisville, Kentucky, while Jones and her family were attending an AAU basketball tournament. An Indiana man, Michael Hurley, was found guilty of murder, driving under the influence, and multiple counts of assault for the collision.
Jones' journey since the accident has been challenging, involving several surgeries and a difficult recovery process. Despite the setbacks, she remained positive and determined, as evident in her YouTube channel, where she documented her recovery and shared messages of perseverance. Jones' retirement statement reflected on the support she received, expressing gratitude to her coaches, doctors, teammates, and trainers. Iowa University also demonstrated their support by honouring her scholarship, allowing her to continue her education despite her inability to continue playing basketball.
The announcement of Hodgkin's lymphoma diagnosis has sparked an outpouring of support and well-wishes for Jones, with former teammates and followers taking to social media to send their prayers and positive thoughts during this difficult time. Jones' strength and resilience shine through as she navigates this new challenge, and her story serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of life and the importance of resilience and a strong support system.
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Jones' father killed in a car crash
In July 2022, former Iowa women's basketball recruit Ava Jones and her family were struck by a car in Louisville, Kentucky. Jones suffered a brain injury and multiple torn ligaments in her knees, which ultimately led to her medical retirement from basketball. Her father, Trey Jones, died in the incident, and her mother was also injured.
The driver, Michael Hurley, was found guilty of murder and driving under the influence. He was sentenced to 70 years in prison.
Jones, who had a full scholarship to play basketball for the University of Iowa, announced her medical retirement from the sport in June 2024. Despite her injuries, she remained optimistic and determined to recover. She started a YouTube channel to document her journey and inspire others.
Jones' mother, Amy Jones, also shared her experience as a trauma survivor, expressing her gratitude for the support they received and her determination to recover. The family received support from the University of Iowa and the local community in Louisville.
The accident had a significant impact on Jones' life, and she worked hard to recover from her injuries and adjust to life after basketball. She discovered new hobbies and interests while also focusing on her studies and recovery.
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Jones suffers a traumatic brain injury
Ava Jones, a former Iowa women's basketball recruit, suffered a traumatic brain injury in a car accident in July 2022. Jones and her family were in Louisville, Kentucky, for an AAU basketball tournament when an impaired driver, Michael Hurley, collided with them on a sidewalk. Jones's father, Trey Jones, was killed in the crash, and she and her mother were severely injured.
As a result of the accident, Jones suffered a traumatic brain injury and multiple torn ligaments in both knees. She underwent several surgeries to address her injuries and worked hard on her recovery, which included physical therapy and rehabilitation. Jones testified about the impact of her injuries on her life, stating that her hand-eye coordination had been affected, and she faced challenges with walking, running, and lifting weights. She also experienced difficulties with her cognitive abilities, including memory loss and recollection issues.
Jones's recovery was a long and challenging process. She shared her experiences and progress on her YouTube channel, documenting her surgeries, recovery, and return to physical activities like running. Jones also expressed gratitude to the medical professionals and caregivers who supported her throughout her journey. Despite her determination and efforts, Jones ultimately made the difficult decision to medically retire from college basketball due to the severity of her injuries.
Jones's traumatic brain injury had a significant impact on her life and basketball career. She had to navigate physical, cognitive, and emotional challenges during her recovery. Through it all, she demonstrated resilience and a positive mindset, expressing gratitude for the support she received and a determination to work hard toward her recovery. Jones's story highlights the potential long-term consequences of traumatic brain injuries and the importance of access to comprehensive medical care and support systems.
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Michael Hurley found guilty of murder and DUI
Former Iowa women's basketball player Ava Jones revealed on social media that she has been diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma. Jones was forced to medically retire from basketball following a car accident in July 2022, in which an impaired driver collided with her and her family on a sidewalk in Louisville, Kentucky. The driver, Michael Hurley, was found guilty of murder, assault, and driving under the influence (DUI).
Hurley was charged with murder, three counts of assault, and operating a motor vehicle under the influence. The prosecution argued that Hurley was "wasted and out of his mind" on fentanyl when he drove his vehicle, showing a disregard for the safety of others. While Hurley did not testify during the trial, his mother took the stand to speak about his recent dental procedures and the hydrocodone he had been prescribed. Jordan Potts, Hurley's attorney, maintained that the incident was an accident and that Hurley was not as intoxicated as the prosecutors claimed.
During the trial, tearful testimony was given by Ava Jones, who shared that she can no longer play basketball or walk very far due to her injuries. Jones's mother, Amy, also testified about the impact of the incident on her daughter, stating that Ava will never fully recover from her traumatic brain injury. The jury found Hurley guilty of murder, assault, and DUI, and recommended a 75-year sentence.
As a result of the accident, Jones suffered a traumatic brain injury and multiple torn ligaments in her knees. She underwent several surgeries and redshirted during the 2023-24 season, hoping to return to basketball. Unfortunately, she had to medically retire from the sport, announcing her decision in a press release. Despite her retirement, Jones remained connected to the Iowa women's basketball team and attended nearly every home game.
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Jones medically retires from Iowa basketball
Ava Jones, a former Iowa women's basketball recruit, medically retired from the team due to injuries sustained in a car accident in 2022. Jones and her family were struck by a car in Louisville, Kentucky, while attending an AAU basketball tournament. Her father, Trey Jones, was killed in the incident, and she suffered a traumatic brain injury and multiple torn ligaments in both knees.
Jones underwent several surgeries and redshirted during the 2023-24 season, hoping to return to the court. However, she ultimately made the difficult decision to medically retire from college basketball. In a press release, she expressed gratitude to her coaches, doctors, teammates, and trainers for their support throughout her recovery. Despite her retirement, Iowa honoured her scholarship, allowing her to continue her education.
Jones shared her experience through a YouTube channel, documenting her recovery journey and surgeries. She also spoke about her determination to stay positive and work hard during her recovery. In her videos, Jones discussed her physical therapy sessions, travels, and the process of returning to running.
Unfortunately, in February 2025, Jones announced on social media that she had been diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma, a type of cancer. This announcement came seven months after her retirement from basketball. Despite the challenges, Jones remained confident in her strength and the medical team at Iowa, expressing her determination to face this new struggle.
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Frequently asked questions
Ava Jones was involved in a car accident in 2022, in which she sustained a brain injury and multiple torn ligaments in her knees. Jones was forced to medically retire from basketball due to these injuries.
Yes, Jones's father, Trey Jones, was killed in the incident. Her mother was also injured.
An Indiana man named Michael Hurley was found guilty of murder and driving under the influence in relation to the crash. He was sentenced to 70 years in prison.
Jones underwent several surgeries to address her injuries. In February 2025, she announced on Instagram that she had been diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma, a type of cancer. Despite the challenges, Jones remains confident in her strength and the medical care she is receiving at Iowa.
