Zach Jones, the late Manager of the Stats & Information Group at ESPN, made significant contributions to sports journalism. He was the son of Suzi Caruzzi Jones, but his father’s identity remains under the rock.
Zach Jones was a dedicated professional whose career at ESPN spanned over 14 years.
He joined ESPN in 2010 as a researcher and quickly advanced through the ranks. In April 2019, he became the Manager of the Stats & Information Group.
Based in Bristol, Connecticut, Zach played a key role in ESPN’s research for golf, women’s college basketball, and SportsCenter.
Before ESPN, Zach was a Sports Reporter for The San Diego Union-Tribune. He also served as Sports Editor for The Coast News Group.
A Stanford graduate with a BA in Public Policy, Zach honed his skills as a contributor to The Stanford Daily.
His expertise in analytics and storytelling made him a cornerstone of ESPN’s team, admired by colleagues and sports enthusiasts alike.
Zach Jones’ Parents Were Married In May 1981 And Now Reside in Carlsbad, California
Zach Jones‘s family was a critical part of his life, but public details about his parents are limited.
His mother, Suzi Caruzzi Jones, lives in Carlsbad, California, and hails from Bossier City, Louisiana.
Married to Zach’s father since May 1981, Suzi has kept a low profile, with no public record of her professional background or education.
Despite her private nature, it is clear that Suzi supported Zach’s personal and professional journey, encouraging his achievements at every step.
There is no publicly available information about Zach’s father, reflecting the family’s preference for privacy.
Zach’s life took a heartbreaking turn when he was diagnosed with colorectal cancer that had metastasized before it was discovered.
After a courageous two-year battle, Zach passed away on December 22, 2024, at the age of 41.
His death, just days before Christmas, left his colleagues, friends, and family grieving an extraordinary life cut short.
We remembered Zach Jones on SportsCenter this morning.
— Randy Scott (@RandyScottESPN) December 23, 2024
Our friend, Amber’s husband, and Silas’s dad. pic.twitter.com/YAMMhg9Y5l
Tributes poured in from his ESPN family. SportsCenter anchor Randy Scott honored Zach with an emotional tribute, highlighting his contributions to ESPN and his deep love for his family.
Moreover, Scott described Zach as a fighter who stayed hopeful and reflective in his final weeks.
He prioritized the well-being of his wife, Amber, and their 10-year-old son, Silas.
Kevin Negandhi and other ESPN colleagues echoed these sentiments, remembering Zach as a devoted father, a passionate sports enthusiast, and an exceptional teammate.
Zach’s influence extended far beyond his professional achievements. His legacy lives on through the lives he touched, both within ESPN and beyond.
Friends and colleagues praised him as kind, dedicated, and unwavering in his commitment to excellence despite his struggles.
In his final days, Zach expressed a singular wish for his family to be okay following a recent move to Texas.
This heartfelt desire encapsulates the man he was: a devoted husband, a loving father, and a respected colleague.
Zach Jones will be remembered for his resilience, contributions to sports journalism, and lasting impact on those who knew him.
May his memory serve as a source of strength and inspiration for his loved ones and the many lives he touched.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Zach Jones and Amber Jones got married on October 16, 2010, after they got engaged earlier that year.
- He was in a relationship with Amber Jones starting in 2007.