Dr. Gabriel Jasper Death, Toms River, NJ Obituary, Founder of Jasper Spine Institute, Daughter and Granddaughter killed in a plane accident

Ocean County Mourns Dr. Gabriele Jasper, Daughter Gabriella Hillgrube, and Granddaughter Guiliana Following New York Plane Crash

The Ocean County community is mourning the heartbreaking loss of Dr. Gabriele P. Jasper, his daughter Gabriella M. Hillgrube, and his two-year-old granddaughter, Guiliana M. Hillgrube, who were killed in a plane crash near the Adirondack Regional Airport in Harrietstown, New York.

According to New York State Police, the family departed the airport in a 1976 Piper Aerostar at approximately 10:36 p.m. Shortly after takeoff, while the aircraft was estimated to be about 100 feet above the ground, communication with the plane was lost. Authorities were notified of a downed aircraft near Hearf’s Way and State Route 186 at approximately 11:16 p.m. Search crews later located the wreckage, which had been destroyed by the impact and a post-crash fire. The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the cause of the accident.

Dr. Jasper, 70, of Toms River, was widely recognized as a pioneering anesthesiologist and founder of the Jasper Spine Institute in Brick, New Jersey. Motivated by a passion for helping patients living with chronic pain, he established the Center for Pain Control in 2002 before expanding the practice with advanced facilities in Brick and Milltown. In 2009, he added the Jasper Ambulatory Surgical Center, allowing patients to undergo minimally invasive procedures in a state-of-the-art setting.

Beyond his medical achievements, Dr. Jasper was admired for his willingness to educate fellow physicians. Longtime friend and colleague Chris Alderucci described him as one of the world’s leading endoscopic spine surgeons, recalling years spent traveling internationally as Dr. Jasper trained surgeons in advanced spinal procedures.

Friends also remembered him as someone who embraced life with enthusiasm. He enjoyed aviation, boating, motorcycles, Formula 1 racing, and fishing, frequently sharing family trips to the Adirondacks. Despite his many interests, those closest to him say his greatest devotion was always to his family and the patients he served.

Gabriella Hillgrube, 33, of Forked River, worked alongside her father at the Jasper Spine Institute, continuing the family’s commitment to patient care. Her daughter, Guiliana, had recently celebrated her second birthday in June and was described by loved ones as a joyful child whose bright smile brought happiness wherever she went.

As news of the tragedy spread, heartfelt tributes poured in from colleagues, friends, and former patients. Many remembered Dr. Jasper not only for his surgical expertise but also for his compassion, generosity, and genuine concern for everyone around him. One patient credited him with restoring mobility and improving the quality of life for both herself and her husband, describing him as an exceptional physician who changed countless lives.

The loss of three generations of one family has deeply affected communities across New Jersey and beyond. As loved ones mourn this unimaginable tragedy, Dr. Gabriele Jasper, Gabriella Hillgrube, and little Guiliana will be remembered for their love of family, dedication to others, and the lasting legacy they leave in the hearts of all who knew them.