Man known as the original Jazz Bear dies after battle with pancreatic cancer

Jan 31, 2026, 2:43 PM | Updated: 2:48 pm

Jon Absey, the original Jazz Bear, died after being diagnosed with cancer in 2025. (Nathanial Gillis, KSL TV)

(Nathanial Gillis, KSL TV)

Digital Content Producer

SALT LAKE CITY — Jon Absey, the original Jazz Bear mascot for Utah Jazz, died after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in March 2025.

Family tells KSL Absey passed away in his sleep Sunday morning.

Absey performed as the Jazz Bear for 25 years after first putting the costume on in 1994. He was Mascot of the Year five times and even got the Utah Jazz mascot into the Mascot Hall of Fame after performing many daredevil stunts while he wore the costume.

This story is breaking and will be updated as more information becomes available.

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Man known as the original Jazz Bear dies after battle with pancreatic cancer

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