In the early hours of Monday morning, a devastating head-on collision took place on Highway 25 near Bloomfield Avenue, just outside Gilroy, California. The tragic crash claimed the lives of Priscilla Jones, a 35-year-old emergency dispatcher with the Santa Clara County 911 Communications Department, and 24-year-old Erick Andrade, a resident of Gilroy. Both individuals were well-known in their communities, with Jones deeply respected for her compassion and commitment as a 911 dispatcher, and Andrade remembered as a vibrant young man.
The Santa Clara County Medical Examiner-Coroner’s office identified Jones, who lived in Hollister, California, and worked as a 911 dispatcher, as one of the victims of the crash. The announcement brought a wave of sorrow throughout Santa Clara County and Hollister, where Jones was a familiar and cherished figure.
The Tragic Incident
According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP), the collision occurred at approximately 12:33 a.m. on the darkened stretch of Highway 25, a road often traveled by residents commuting between the agricultural hub of Hollister and the neighboring city of Gilroy. Jones was driving her 2012 Dodge Charger northbound when a 2018 Nissan Sentra, driven by Andrade, crossed over the double yellow lines, veering into her lane. The collision was both sudden and violent, with both vehicles sustaining catastrophic damage.
Responding officers from CHP confirmed that both Jones and Andrade suffered fatal injuries and were pronounced dead at the scene. CHP officials are conducting a thorough investigation into the cause of the crash, although they have not yet confirmed what might have caused Andrade’s vehicle to veer across the centerline. Initial speculation suggests the driver may have been attempting to avoid an animal or another obstacle, as accidents on Highway 25 can be frequent due to its narrow lanes, high speed limits, and rural surroundings.
The tragic news reached Jones’s family, friends, and colleagues just hours later, casting a pall of grief over the Santa Clara County 911 Communications Department, where she had worked since her early twenties. Her colleagues remember her as a professional who combined skill with empathy, qualities that are rare and deeply valued in her role.
Priscilla Jones: A Life of Service and Family Devotion
Priscilla Jones had a long-standing passion for service, which she channeled into her work as a 911 emergency dispatcher. In her 15-year career with the Santa Clara County 911 Communications Department, she had become known for her extraordinary calm and patience in high-stress situations. Her dedication to her work earned her recognition in 2019, following a remarkable call where she assisted a distressed mother in delivering a baby over the phone. The event had a happy twist, as the mother gave birth to twins, and Jones had the opportunity to visit the new family in the hospital to celebrate the birth she had helped guide.
Her colleagues at the 911 dispatch center recall her as a compassionate and reliable teammate, always willing to step up in times of need. “Priscilla had this way of talking to callers that made them feel safe and supported, even in the middle of their worst moments,” said one colleague who worked alongside her for over a decade. Her impact went beyond handling emergencies, as she actively trained new hires, sharing her approach of patience, understanding, and quick thinking.
Beyond her professional life, Jones was a devoted wife to her husband, whose name has not been publicly released, and a dedicated mother to their three young children. Family was central to her life, and friends describe her as a woman who embraced the joys and challenges of parenthood. Her husband and children are now left to carry on her legacy, supported by the extended family, friends, and the Hollister community.
A Business Built on Community Spirit: Mmm Churros
Jones’s role as a mother and public servant was only part of her story. Alongside her husband, she co-owned and operated Mmm Churros, a local churro business that had become a popular spot in Hollister. The business began as a mobile food venture at local events, with the couple recently celebrating the purchase of a storefront in downtown Hollister. Mmm Churros was their labor of love, intended to bring joy and sweetness to their community, much like Jones’s own personality. Her warmth and enthusiasm made her a favorite among customers, who were drawn not only to the delicious treats but also to Jones’s welcoming nature.
Local residents and regular patrons of Mmm Churros have been sharing stories and tributes online, recounting the conversations they had with Jones over the years. “She remembered our names, our kids’ names – she made us feel like family,” one customer wrote on social media, sharing a memory of how Jones once gifted his daughter a churro on her birthday. “She wanted her business to feel like home, and she truly achieved that,” the customer continued.
The family’s plans for the business’s future are uncertain at this time. However, friends and local businesses have already stepped forward, offering support in various forms, from organizing memorial fundraisers to providing meals for the family.
Community Remembrance and Heartfelt Tributes
The news of Jones’s tragic passing has deeply affected her colleagues, friends, and family members, sparking an outpouring of love and remembrance. Social media platforms have become spaces of comfort for those who knew Jones, with many sharing messages of condolence and recounting how she touched their lives. One post from her department reads, “Priscilla was the heart of our team – a person who made even the toughest days bearable with her warmth, her strength, and her unwavering dedication. She will be missed more than words can express.”
In Hollister, the local community is organizing a candlelight vigil to honor Jones’s life, which will be held at the town square on Saturday evening. Her family members have shared that they find solace in knowing how much she meant to the community and are deeply moved by the overwhelming support during this difficult time.
Among the heartfelt tributes, one friend wrote, “Priscilla was the embodiment of love and kindness. She made everyone feel important, whether it was a stranger on a 911 call or a friend in need. Her smile was contagious, and her spirit was unstoppable. Losing her is a blow not only to her family but to everyone who had the privilege of knowing her.”
Remembering Erick Andrade
As the investigation continues, friends and family of Erick Andrade, the 24-year-old driver of the Nissan Sentra involved in the crash, are also mourning his untimely passing. Andrade, a Gilroy native, was described by friends as a kind-hearted and adventurous young man. Though details about his life have not been widely shared, local acquaintances recall seeing him frequently in town and describe him as someone who “lit up the room with his smile.” His family is now grappling with the devastating loss and preparing arrangements for his funeral services.
Unanswered Questions and Next Steps
The California Highway Patrol has stated that they will conduct a full investigation to understand the circumstances leading to the collision. Highway 25 has long been a concern for local authorities and residents, with many citing safety hazards due to limited lighting, narrow lanes, and heavy traffic. Following this latest tragedy, there has been renewed advocacy for additional road safety measures along the route, such as widening lanes or adding guardrails to prevent head-on collisions.
In the meantime, the Santa Clara County 911 Communications Department has arranged for grief counseling services for its employees and has invited Jones’s family to share in a memorial service at the dispatch center, celebrating her contributions to the department and community.
A Legacy of Compassion and Strength
Priscilla Jones leaves behind a legacy of compassion, kindness, and dedication that will not soon be forgotten. From her role as a 911 dispatcher helping individuals through some of their darkest moments, to her work as a business owner spreading joy within her community, and her cherished role as a wife and mother, her life exemplified a profound commitment to those she loved and served.
Her family has requested privacy during this time, though they have expressed their gratitude for the immense support from the community. They plan to release additional details regarding her obituary and funeral arrangements in the coming days. In lieu of flowers, the family has asked for donations to be made to organizations that support mental health services and emergency responder programs, causes close to Jones’s heart.
As the town of Hollister and Santa Clara County reflect on the life and legacy of Priscilla Jones, her memory will be cherished by all who were touched by her kindness and dedication. For her family, friends, and the countless lives she impacted through her work, Priscilla Jones’s spirit and compassion will remain an enduring part of the community’s heart.
