Two members of the Umpqua Community College softball team lost their lives following a head-on collision involving their team bus and a pickup truck on Friday, April 18, 2025, in Coos County, Oregon.
The incident claimed the lives of Head Coach Jami Lea Strinz, 46, who was driving the bus, and freshman first baseman Kiley Nevaeh Jones, 19, from Nampa, Idaho. Both died as a result of the accident.
According to the Oregon State Police, the collision occurred around 9:56 p.m. local time on Highway 42 near milepost 23. Strinz sustained critical injuries and died at the hospital, while Jones was declared dead at the scene. The other eight passengers on the bus, all team members, were treated for moderate to serious injuries.
Johnathan James Dowdy, 32, of Coos Bay, Oregon, was identified as the driver of the pickup truck. He was taken to a medical center with serious injuries and, upon release, was arrested and charged with several offenses, including two counts of manslaughter, DUII, eight assault charges, and 14 counts of recklessly endangering a person.
Court records indicate that Dowdy has a history of traffic violations. Earlier this year, in January 2025, he was cited for DUII. His record also includes 12 incidents of driving with a suspended or revoked license and seven instances of driving uninsured dating back to 2016.
The Oregon State Police investigation revealed that Dowdy’s westbound Chevrolet Silverado crossed the center line, striking the team bus head-on. Impaired driving is being considered a primary cause, and the criminal investigation is ongoing.
The team was returning to their campus in Roseburg, Oregon, following a doubleheader in Coos Bay when the collision occurred. The Umpqua Community College community has been deeply affected by the loss.
“We are deeply saddened to confirm that one of our student-athletes, Kiley Jones, and one of our coaches, Jami Strinz, lost their lives in the accident,” UCC President Dr. Rachel Pokrandt stated.
Dr. Pokrandt described Jones as an “exceptional student-athlete” and Strinz as a “passionate and talented coach.” She expressed condolences to their families, teammates, and loved ones.
Jones, a freshman, played first base for the Umpqua Community College softball team and had a season batting average of .292. Strinz was known for her experience and background as head coach of the UCC softball program.
Oregon Governor Tina Kotek offered condolences through a post on X.
In response, Umpqua Community College has made support services available to students, faculty, and staff. The team’s games scheduled for Saturday were canceled, with future games tentatively set for Friday.
Dowdy was booked into Coos County Jail on Monday, April 21, 2025. Additional charges include aggravated driving while suspended, reckless driving, criminal driving while suspended, and second-degree criminal mischief.
A fundraising campaign has been set up to support the families of Strinz and Jones during this challenging time. The softball community in Oregon and beyond has shown support for the Umpqua Community College team.
The investigation into the crash continues as the community mourns the loss of two important members of the Umpqua Community College softball program.
