Nickerson’s Jones family two years later

NICKERSON, Kan. (KSNW) – If you ever need motivation in life, just have a conversation with Amy Jones of Nickerson.

“These last two years feel like it’s been 20 years,” said Amy Jones. “It’s lasted a lifetime.”

Amy lost her husband, Trey Jones , in a horrific incident while the family was in Kentucky on July 5, 2022. A driver plowed into the family while they were on a sidewalk.

While the family lost Trey, Amy had more than 20 broken bones. Daughter Ava Jones, the highly recruited basketball player at Iowa, also suffered severe trauma.

“I did not want to sit around, and I guess really the more active I am, the better of a recovery I have,” said Amy. “So since I started working out and getting on my Peloton, things have just really been changing for me.”

Working out makes Amy feel like herself again.

Coming home in a wheelchair and using a walker are things of the past.

“To set a goal. And to have a goal and then work towards that goal. And your goals may change as you improve and recover,” said Amy. “My first goal was just walking without a walker. And then without a limp. And now it’s to jog.”

Amy says her next goal is to run/jog in a competitive event as early as October.

While Ava figures out life without playing competitive basketball, the whole family has found motivation in Ava’s brother, Hunter Jones.

Hunter just got back into Kansas after competing at the Olympic trials.

“They motivate me,” said Hunter. “But it’s very nice to still compete and forget about things for a little bit, for sure. Mom, she’s been working since pretty soon after the accident. It’s definitely been motivating to watch her keep grinding even thought she’s struggling herself, physically.”

Hunter says his family is moving forward with positive energy. And they are the ones that motivate him.

“What else are they going to do?” said Hunter. “It’s what this family does. Move forward.”

Hunter plans to compete in Germany on July 21 at the Thorpe Cup, where he will be in the decathlon.

Life is different, but the family remains motivated.

“Set goals,” said Amy. “Then work towards that goal.”

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