Sweeny coach killed in weekend car crash

SWEENY, TX (KTRK) -- On Monday in the small town of Sweeny, they say you can't go anywhere without hearing the name Ricky Jones.

Sweeny Little League Coach J.D. Hurt said, "We're going to have a memorial tonight and remember him but that's not enough."

One of his best childhood friends, Vincent Strother, said the 38-year-old father of three, husband and coach was as unselfish as they come.

"Never asked what was in it for him, always willing to help out whoever is in need," said Strother.

Jones' wife Marissa says he cared about all kids in Sweeny and wanted to make them good at baseball. At the very least he wanted them to have fun. He worked at Dow, but for kids in Sweeny, the baseball field and basketball court were where he made the biggest difference.

Coach Earl Mathis said, "I'd get on to my son and he would be over there it's all right. He's a very special person. We're going to miss him greatly."

DPS Troopers say Jones, his wife Marissa and oldest son Ricky were traveling back from a basketball tournament Sunday afternoon on Highway 35 when a 40-year-old man driving in the opposite direction crossed the center line and was completely in their lane, striking the family head-on four miles north of Angleton.

Strother added, "I never told him I loved him when he was alive but hopefully he knew."

The Little League season won't be the same in Sweeny and those who were touched by this popular coach won't be either.

"I can't even explain the kind of man he was. Very special, we all wish we could have him back," said Coach Hurt.

Charges are pending on the other driver who struck the family. The coach's wife and oldest son were both injured in the crash but have been released from the hospital.

DPS is investigating the crash. The driver who struck the family is in the hospital and investigators are waiting for toxicology results. They say they were responding to a reckless driver call when the crash happened.