Tragedy Strikes Umpqua Community College Softball Team: Coach Jami Strinz and Freshman Kiley Jones Killed in Head-On Collision
April 19, 2025 — Coos Bay, Oregon
A tragic accident on Friday night, April 18, 2025, has left the Umpqua Community College community in shock and mourning. Coach Jami Strinz, 46, and freshman player Kiley Jones, 19, lost their lives in a head-on collision on Highway 42 near Coos Bay, Oregon. The team was returning from an away game against Grays Harbor College when their bus was struck by a Chevrolet Silverado that swerved into their lane.
The Incident
According to Oregon State Police, the crash occurred late Friday evening in the wet, rainy conditions along the highway. Witnesses reported that the Silverado, driven by Johnathan James Dowdy, 32, of Coos Bay, was out of control before crossing the center line and slamming into the team’s bus. The impact was catastrophic.
Coach Strinz, who was driving the team bus, was rushed to a nearby hospital, where she later succumbed to her injuries. Freshman player Kiley Jones was killed instantly in the crash. Jones, a rising star and beloved member of the team, had shown great promise as a freshman and had become a cherished part of the Umpqua softball family.
The Aftermath
Eight other players were injured in the collision, some with serious injuries, and were taken to hospitals in Eugene and Portland. While many of the injuries were not life-threatening, one player remains in critical condition, and her family is praying for her recovery. The Umpqua Community College softball program, which has seen great success under Coach Strinz’s leadership, has been shaken to its core.
“This is an unfathomable loss for all of us,” said Rachel Pokrandt, president of Umpqua Community College. “Jami Strinz was more than just a coach; she was a mentor, a leader, and a friend. Kiley Jones was a bright young athlete with an incredibly promising future. To lose them both so suddenly is a devastating blow to our entire community.”
The Driver’s Condition and Investigation
The driver of the Silverado, Johnathan James Dowdy, was also seriously injured in the crash and is currently receiving treatment in a local hospital. Authorities believe that Dowdy may have been under the influence at the time of the accident, and an investigation into possible impaired driving is ongoing. Dowdy is expected to face multiple charges, including vehicular manslaughter and driving under the influence.
“We are still gathering information, but the severity of the crash suggests that the other driver was out of control,” said Sergeant Dave Johnson of the Oregon State Police. “We are asking for anyone who may have witnessed the incident to come forward.”
Remembering Coach Strinz and Kiley Jones
Coach Strinz was a cornerstone of Umpqua Community College’s softball program. Her dedication to developing athletes not only in sports but in life was evident in the success of her teams. Strinz’s commitment to her players went far beyond teaching them how to play the game; she instilled values of hard work, integrity, and leadership that shaped many lives. Her passion for the sport and her ability to connect with her players made her a beloved figure in the college community.
Kiley Jones, though only 19, had already made a lasting impression as a freshman. Known for her incredible athleticism, infectious personality, and leadership qualities, Jones was considered one of the brightest young stars in Umpqua’s athletic program. Her teammates described her as the heart of the team, someone who always knew how to lift the spirits of those around her.
“This is a loss that words cannot fully express,” said Maya Rios, team captain. “Kiley was like a little sister to all of us. She was always so full of energy, so positive. Losing her, and Coach Strinz, has left a hole in our hearts that will never be filled.”
A Community in Mourning
The tragedy has shaken not only the Umpqua Community College campus but also the entire Coos Bay area. Strinz and Jones were well-known and loved in the community, and their loss has sparked an outpouring of grief and support.
A memorial service is being planned for Coach Strinz and Kiley Jones, and the college has encouraged students, staff, and community members to come together to honor their lives and legacies. A fundraising campaign has also been established to support the families of the victims and the injured players.
“We will never forget them,” said Ashley Tatum, a former Umpqua softball player and close friend of Strinz. “Their impact on this team, on this school, and on this community will live on forever.”
Investigation and Call for Witnesses
As the investigation continues, Oregon State Police are urging anyone who witnessed the crash to come forward. If you have any information, you are asked to contact the Oregon State Police at 541-396-2106.
Conclusion
The loss of Coach Jami Strinz and Kiley Jones is a devastating blow to the Umpqua Community College softball team and the community as a whole. Their untimely deaths are a painful reminder of how quickly life can change. Our hearts go out to the families, teammates, and friends of those affected by this tragedy.
For more information and updates on the investigation, please visit the official website of Umpqua Community College or follow the ongoing coverage. Our thoughts are with all those grieving during this incredibly difficult time.
In Memory of Coach Strinz and Kiley Jones.