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Former basketball sensation Cameron Jones, who represented Patrick Henry and Radford University, tragically passed away last week at the age of 29. Jones was a sixth-grade English teacher at Elko Middle School in Henrico County and the coach of the school’s boys’ basketball team. Unfortunately, Jones lost his life after suffering a life-threatening car accident in Richmond Area, where he stayed and worked. The tragic demise of the two-time Western Valley District title winner has recently left the basketball world mourning a huge loss.

People close to Jones have stated that he was a kind person who always helped in guiding them in the right direction. As per the principal of the school he coached for, Jones encouraged his students to give equal emphasis to their studies alongside sports. Meanwhile, the players and coaches who witnessed Jones’ performances on the court hailed his offensive abilities.

Basketball World loses former offensive talent

According to Roanoke Times, Cameron Jones was a junior reserve at the Patrick Henry team that managed to reach the Group AAA state semifinals during his early days on the court. During his time at Radford, Jones averaged 8.5 points while coming off the bench as a junior guard. The 29-year-old made 45 three-pointers in 2014-15, helping his team with 22 games that season. Moreover, Cameron Jones also earned All-Big South honorable mention after averaging 14.9 points as a senior starter in 2015-2016.

Further, Radford coach Mike Jones also shared his experience of mentoring Cameron. Jones stated, “He was as talented an offensive player as I’ve ever coached. When I was at Georgia, we didn’t have players that were more talented than him offensively. When I was at VCU, he was more talented than any of those guys.”

Jones also hailed the former Radford star’s abilities to score at all three levels. Cameron Jones ranks third in terms of career three-point accuracy of 40.3% in Radford’s history. In addition, Jones also played professionally in Denmark and the Czech Republic during his college days.

Fans mourn Jones’ demise

The demise of the former Radford alumnus has hit the basketball world hard. May fans expressed their sadness about the tragic death of the former prodigy.

One emotional fan wrote, “I JUST CAN’T.”

Another fan wrote, “This was tough to read!  Cam was such a light, he was always so happy and positive. Fly High 3!” Here are some other reactions from fans, well-wishers and community members.

RIP , he was my daughter teacher we just had a convo last week 🙏🏾

— B. Swain (@b_easy83) February 6, 2023

So sad to hear about Mr. Jones! He was my daughter’s Advisory and English teacher. Such an amazing teacher. He is one of the reasons she looked forward to school each day. My daughter is heartbroken. He will be missed by many, many students!

— Lisa Cartrette Matthews (@lcmatthews84) February 6, 2023

He was my daughters English teacher. He was an amazing teacher! Very positive and support of all his students. We just talked to him last Thursday. This is such a shock and a huge loss. Praying for his family, his work family and his students.

— Kasey (@khpate2009) February 6, 2023

Coach Jones was the assistant coach for my son's middle school team last year. The team loved him. He was always so pleasant and will be greatly missed. Praying for his family and the many young lives that he touched in the classroom and on the court.

— Angela Golden (@bennettbelle93) February 7, 2023

Hadn't heard this. Sad indeed 😔 Refereed him in Church League when he was a 7th Grader. Refereed & watched him grow into a fantastic talent in High School. Enjoyed keeping up with his College Career. Then even Refereed him in Adult League Basketball. Prayers for his Family 🙏 https://t.co/UxCzsvxmdt

— Paul Ragland Jr (@Rags43) February 5, 2023

Many people who came across Cameron Jones conveyed the tales of what a brilliant human being he was and how he affected the lives of the people around him. Thus, the basketball fraternity and Jones’ loved ones have been left distraught after such a massive loss.

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