KANSAS CITY, Mo. — A father who would’ve been celebrating his 18-year-old daughter’s birthday later this month is now planning her funeral.
Jasmine Jones died Wednesday afternoon in a car crash at the intersection of Emanuel Cleaver II Boulevard and Prospect Avenue in Kansas City, Mo.
“She was daddy’s girl,” said father Ernest Jones of his only child, whom he called Jazz. “It’s devastating, it really is.”
Police said Jasmine was riding in a car with three other people when another car traveling in the opposite direction hit them. Witnesses told officers they believe that person might have run a red light before the collision.
Police said the car Jasmine was riding in was pushed into the center of the road, where it was struck by a dump truck.
“It’s hard,” said Ernest, “knowing that I won’t see her again, or talk to her – that will be the hardest part.”
Police said the other three people riding with Jasmine were hurt, but survived the crash. The driver of the car that hit them first left the scene, but then returned and was arrested, according to officers. That person has not been charged.
Ernest said his daughter was a “typical teenager” who loved shopping, snapping pictures and spending time with her family.
“She was bright spirited,” he said, “and a lot of fun to be around.”
Jasmine would’ve turned 19 in about two weeks. Her dad had planned a big night out.
“I was going to take her shopping,” he said with a smile, “maybe go bowling, she liked that, and out for pizza, she liked pizza.”
It’s a birthday she’ll now never get to celebrate.
“Her smile and her laughter, I’ll miss that a lot,” Ernest said.
He’s a father who now plans to rely on his faith and family to pull through without his only child by his side.
“That I love her, always,” Ernest said of what he would want Jasmine to know. “And she’s my heart. She already knew that.”
Jasmine’s funeral will be next week, which her family wants to keep small and private.
