19-Year-Old Student-Athlete and Oregon College Softball Coach Dead After Team Bus Collides with a Truck

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Umpqua Community College

Jami Strinz and Kiley Jones

• Jami Lea Strinz, a softball head coach at Umpqua Community College, and Kiley Nevaeh Jones, a freshman who played first base, died after their team bus collided with a pickup truck on April 18
• The other eight passengers who were onboard suffered "moderate to serious injuries"
• Johnathan Dowdy, the driver of the truck, was transported to an emergency medical center after suffering serious injuries

A student-athlete and an Oregon college softball coach are dead following a collision with their team's bus and a pickup truck.

The fatal incident occurred as Jami Lea Strinz was driving a Chevrolet Express bus with 10 members of the Umpqua Community College softball team onboard on Highway 42, near milepost 23 in Coos County, at around 9:56 p.m. local time on Friday, April 18, according to Oregon State Police.

Strinz, 46, died at the hospital after suffering “critical injuries” in the truck collision. Kiley Nevaeh Jones, 19, a freshman from Nampa who played first base, died at the scene.

The other eight passengers received treatment for “moderate to serious injuries,” according to police. Their identities have not yet been disclosed.

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Umpqua Community College

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“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 said in a statement. “Additional staff and students remain in hospitals in Eugene and Portland."

"UCC hearts are breaking with this news, and we ask the community to keep the families and all of those affected in their thoughts and prayers,” Dr. Pokrandt continued. “These individuals were cherished members of our campus—an exceptional student-athlete, and a passionate and talented coach."

“Our entire community is grieving this tragic loss, and our heartfelt condolences are with their families, teammates, and loved ones,” she added. “We ask that you keep them in your thoughts and offer privacy for the families during this difficult time."

"Support services are available to all students, faculty, and staff. Please join us in holding space for grief and reflection as we honor these individuals," Dr. Pokrandt concluded.

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Johnathan Dowdy was the driver of the truck involved in the crash, according to Oregon State Police. He had to be transported to an emergency medical center after suffering serious injuries.

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Police car (stock image).

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Oregon State Police was assisted by the Myrtle Point Police Department, the Coquille Police Department, the Coos County Sheriff's Office, Myrtle Point Fire, Coquille Fire and the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT).

Tina Kotek, the governor of Oregon, expressed her condolences for those killed in a post on X, writing, “My heart aches for the @umpquacc family reeling from this tragedy. Oregon is here for you in your grief and loss. You are in my prayers. Many thanks to @ORStatePolice and other emergency responders for their compassionate response.”

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