Oregon College Softball Coach, Player Killed in Tragic Head-On Collision with Pickup Truck

Umpqua Community College mourns the loss of its softball head coach and a student-athlete after a deadly bus crash in Oregon involving a pickup truck.

 

OREGON – Tragedy struck Oregon's collegiate sports community Friday night when a head-on collision between a pickup truck and a college team bus claimed the lives of Umpqua Community College (UCC) head softball coach Jami Strinz, 46, and freshman player Kiley Jones, 19.

 

The fatal crash occurred while the UCC softball team was returning from a game in Coos Bay, Oregon. According to Oregon State Police, the Chevrolet Express team bus, driven by Strinz, collided with a pickup truck on the highway. Jones, who played first base, died at the scene, while Strinz was pronounced dead at a nearby hospital.

 

Eight other team members aboard the bus sustained moderate to serious injuries and received emergency medical care. The driver of the pickup, identified as Johnathan James Dowdy, 32, was also critically injured.

 

In an emotional statement, UCC President Dr. Rachel Pokrandt said:

 

"UCC hearts are breaking with this news. These individuals were cherished members of our campus — an exceptional student-athlete, and a passionate and talented coach."

 

Jones, a rising star on the team, had been praised for her dedication on and off the field. Coach Strinz, a respected leader and mentor, had been guiding the RiverHawks softball program with passion and purpose.

 

Oregon Governor Tina Kotek shared her condolences on social media, saying:

 

“My heart aches. Oregon is here for you in your grief and loss. You are in my prayers.”

 

Authorities have launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash.

 

This marks one of the deadliest incidents involving a college sports team in recent years, and grief counselors are being made available to students, faculty, and affected families as the UCC community reels from the tragedy.