Tragedy Strikes Umpqua Community College Softball Team: Coach Jami Strinz and Freshman Kiley Jones Killed in Fatal Crash

April 19, 2025 — Coos County, Oregon

A devastating tragedy unfolded late Friday night as a Umpqua Community College softball team van, returning from an away game in Coos Bay, was involved in a catastrophic head-on collision with a pickup truck. The crash, which occurred on a dark stretch of highway in Coos County, Oregon, resulted in the deaths of head coach Jami Strinz and freshman player Kiley Jones. Eight other team members were injured, some with serious injuries, while the driver of the truck is hospitalized and facing multiple charges.

A Promising Future Cut Short

Kiley Jones, just 18 years old, was a rising star on the softball team. Known for her speed, talent, and leadership, Kiley had already made a significant impact in her freshman year, both on and off the field. Teammates and coaches alike had high hopes for her future, and she had quickly become a beloved figure in the tight-knit team community.

“She was more than just a player,” said teammate Maya Rios. “Kiley was a light in our locker room. Her enthusiasm, her commitment to the game—she made everyone better. This loss feels impossible to bear.”

Kiley’s untimely death has sent shockwaves through the softball community, with tributes flooding in from other athletes, coaches, and fans who admired her talent and spirit. Her legacy as a promising player, both athletically and academically, will undoubtedly live on in the hearts of her teammates and coaches.

A Coach’s Legacy

Jami Strinz, the head coach of Umpqua Community College’s softball team, was a cornerstone of the program. Strinz, who had been with the team for over a decade, was known for her unwavering commitment to building not just a competitive team, but a community of athletes who cared for one another. Under her guidance, the team rose to prominence, winning accolades and championships and developing players into leaders on and off the field.

“Coach Strinz didn’t just teach us how to play softball; she taught us how to be better people,” said Layla Winters, the team captain. “She was a mentor to all of us. We’ve lost not just a coach, but a friend, a mother figure, and a true leader.”

Coach Strinz passed away early Saturday morning following surgery. Despite the efforts to save her life, the severity of her injuries proved fatal. Her death has left a deep void within the university, and the softball program has lost someone who was more than just a coach—she was its heartbeat.

The Crash and Its Aftermath

The accident occurred when the truck, traveling in the wrong direction, collided head-on with the team van. The truck’s driver, identified as Johnathan James Dowdy, a 32-year-old man from Coos Bay, survived the crash and is currently under medical care. Authorities have stated that Dowdy was driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the time of the incident, and criminal charges are pending.

The team van, driven by Coach Strinz, was carrying 10 people at the time of the crash. While the deaths of Coach Strinz and Kiley Jones have dominated the headlines, the other team members—eight in total—are also facing the physical and emotional consequences of the crash. Several players suffered broken bones and other injuries, while others are receiving counseling to cope with the trauma.

One player remains in critical condition in the ICU, but doctors are hopeful for her recovery. The remaining players, though physically stable, are dealing with the emotional shock of losing their coach and teammate, as well as the trauma of the accident itself.

Community and Statewide Outpouring of Support

The news of the accident has sparked an outpouring of grief and support from across the state and beyond. Oregon Governor Tina Kotek shared her condolences, stating that the state would be there to support the grieving families and the Umpqua Community College community during this devastating time.

“Words cannot express the sorrow we feel for the Umpqua Community College family and all those affected by this senseless tragedy,” said Governor Kotek in a statement. “This loss is felt deeply, not just in Coos County, but throughout the state. We stand with those who are mourning.”

Umpqua Community College President Rachel Pokrandt released an emotional statement on Saturday, saying, “This is a painful day for our entire college. Coach Strinz and Kiley Jones were beloved members of our community, and their loss is felt deeply by every student, faculty member, and staff member.”

What’s Next

As the investigation into the crash continues, authorities are working to piece together the details of the incident. Local law enforcement is investigating whether the driver was under the influence at the time of the crash, and charges are expected once his condition stabilizes. The community is left reeling, but the Umpqua Community College family remains united, vowing to honor the legacies of Coach Strinz and Kiley Jones by continuing to support one another through this difficult time.

A memorial fund has been set up in honor of the two women, and the college has announced plans for a vigil to take place at the softball field later this week. The team has expressed their intent to honor their fallen coach and teammate by returning to the field in the future, carrying on the lessons they learned from both Strinz and Jones.

In the wake of this horrific tragedy, the sports community, as well as the local and state communities, have rallied together, offering their support, condolences, and tributes. As one of their teammates said, “We will play again, not for trophies, but for them.”