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  • February 11, 2025
One-time MN college hockey player is on probation for a collision that killed a teammate

One-time MN college hockey player is on probation for a collision that killed a teammate

A former national champion college hockey player has been sentenced after admitting she caused a two-vehicle crash in western Minnesota that killed a teammate who was riding with her.

Gianna K. Gasparini, 20, of Lakeville, pleaded guilty Monday in Chippewa County District Court to a gross misdemeanor count of reckless driving in connection with the afternoon collision on Aug. 20, 2023. The crash about 20 miles west of Willmar involved the Gusties goaltender. killed Jori Lynn Jones, 19, of Little Canada.

Gasparini was convicted on what is called a deferred adjudication. That means if she complies with the terms of her one-year unsupervised probation, including paying a $3,000 fine and complying with the law, the charges will be dismissed and the conviction will be expunged from the record. deleted.

According to the criminal complaint:

The SUV, driven by Gasparini, was traveling eastbound on Hwy. 40 in Grace Township with three teammates as passengers when they collided with a southbound minivan at the intersection with the highway. 29. All four women in the SUV were taken to Montevideo hospital for treatment of various injuries.

In a statement at the hospital, Gasparini said she thought she was going 60 miles per hour and “didn’t notice it was a four-way intersection until it was too late.”

She admitted to drinking at a concert the night before, but did not think there was alcohol in her system; a preliminary breath sample confirmed her belief.

Gasparini said she wasn’t distracted by her phone. She said she did not take her ADHD medication that morning, but that she should have because it helps her concentrate better, according to the complaint.