NJ Spine Doctor, Daughter, Granddaughter Killed In Plane Crash, Police Say

Gabriella Hillgrube worked for her father at Jasper Spine Institute, according to online records. Guiliana had just turned 2 in June, according to the family’s social media posts.

“Dr. Jasper was a very good friend of mine and also one of the top endoscopic surgeons in the world for spinal stenosis and disc degeneration,” wrote Chris Alderucci, a longtime friend and associate. “I worked with him for about 10 years in the early 2000s when I worked for Joimax. I’ve seen him perform hundreds of cases and traveled around the world to help him teach endoscopic discectomy to surgeons from many, many countries around the globe.”

“He lived his life in a fast lane as he loved to race cars, ride his motorcycles and boats. He loved his airplane and helicopter. But most of all he loved his life and his family and friends. He was one of the most genuine surgeons that cared about his patients and the staff that worked with him,” Alderucci wrote. “There will be many surgeons and patients from around the world that will be sad to hear this news. Love you paisan and will miss you immensely,” he wrote.

“A man with a big heart and a kind soul,” Galina Pinto wrote. “Great pilot, great friend, great doctor.”

“Gabe was one of the most unique people I’ve ever met in my life,” wrote Dave Patnaude, calling the news “one of the most horrific phone calls I ever got.”