San Francisco – January 2, 2026
Victoria Kafka Jones, the 34-year-old daughter of Oscar-winning actor Tommy Lee Jones, was found dead early on New Year's Day at the luxury Fairmont San Francisco hotel, authorities and multiple reports confirmed. The sudden passing has shocked family, friends, and the entertainment community, with an investigation underway to determine the cause of death.
The San Francisco Fire Department responded to a medical emergency call at the historic Nob Hill hotel at approximately 2:52 a.m. on January 1, 2026. Paramedics arrived to find an adult female unresponsive; she was pronounced dead at the scene after assessment. San Francisco Police Department officers were dispatched around 3:14 a.m. for a report of a deceased person, and the case was turned over to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner for further inquiry.
Law enforcement sources identified the deceased as Victoria Kafka Jones, born September 3, 1991, to Tommy Lee Jones and his second wife, actress and photographer Kimberlea Cloughley. The couple, married from 1981 to 1996, also share a son, Austin Leonard Jones, now 42. No foul play is suspected at this time, and the cause of death remains undetermined pending autopsy results.
One report indicated that a hotel guest discovered Jones lying on the ground in a 14th-floor hallway, initially mistaking her for being intoxicated before alerting staff. The Fairmont San Francisco, a landmark luxury hotel known for hosting celebrities and dignitaries, has cooperated with authorities but declined to comment publicly.
Victoria Kafka Jones, often credited as Victoria Jones, had a brief acting career as a child, making her film debut at age 11 in the 2002 blockbuster Men in Black II, appearing alongside her father. She later featured in a 2003 episode of the popular teen drama series One Tree Hill and played a role in the 2005 neo-Western The Three Burials of Melquiades Estrada, directed by and starring Tommy Lee Jones. The film also involved her stepmother, Dawn Laurel-Jones (Tommy's third wife since 2001), as stills photographer.
In a 2006 interview promoting The Three Burials, Tommy Lee Jones praised his daughter's talents, noting: "She’s a good actress, has her SAG card, speaks impeccable Spanish." He recounted a lighthearted anecdote about "firing" her from the set one morning when she refused to wake early, only for the crew to rouse her anyway. Victoria largely stepped away from acting as an adult, occasionally accompanying her father to red carpet events and premieres.
Recent years brought personal challenges for Jones. Court records reviewed by media outlets reveal she faced multiple arrests in 2025. In April, she was arrested in Napa County on charges including obstructing a peace officer, being under the influence of a controlled substance, and possession of a narcotic. A May arrest occurred in Santa Cruz County, followed by a June incident in Napa County involving domestic battery and domestic violence/elder abuse allegations. She pleaded not guilty in the Napa cases and was released on bail.
Tommy Lee Jones, 79, known for iconic roles in films like The Fugitive (for which he won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor), No Country for Old Men, Men in Black, and Lincoln, has maintained a private family life. Representatives for the actor have not issued a public statement on his daughter's death as of January 2.
The tragedy marks a somber start to 2026 for the Jones family. Victoria is survived by her father, mother Kimberlea Cloughley, brother Austin, and extended family. As the Medical Examiner's investigation continues, details may emerge in the coming days.
Authorities urge anyone with information to contact the San Francisco Police Department. The entertainment industry and fans have expressed condolences online, remembering Victoria's early contributions to film and her connection to one of Hollywood's most respected actors.
