UPDATE: Umpqua Community College softball athlete, coach die in 2-vehicle accident
Published 8:53 am Sunday, April 20, 2025
The head coach of the Umpqua Community College softball team and a student athlete from Idaho died as the result of a two-vehicle crash on Highway 42, two miles east of Myrtle Point on Friday night.
Alleged impaired driving by the pickup operator who caused the wreck is considered a primary cause of the crash.
A report from Oregon State Police said troopers responded to the wreck just before 10 p.m. OSP said the preliminary investigation indicated a westbound Chevrolet Silverado, operated by 32-year-old Johnathan James Dowdy of Coos Bay, crossed the centerline into the eastbound lane and struck an eastbound Chevrolet Express bus, driven by 46-year-old Jami Lea Strinz of Roseburg, head-on. The bus was occupied with 10 members of the college’s softball team who were returning to Roseburg after playing in Coos Bay.
Coach Strinz was transported with critical injuries and was later declared deceased at an area hospital. A passenger in the bus, 19-year-old Kiley Nevaeh Jones, of Nampa, Idaho, was declared deceased at the scene.
The pickup driver was transported to an area emergency center.
UCC President Dr. Rachel Pokrandt issued a statement which said, “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.” Pokrandt said. “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 those affected in their thoughts and prayers.”
The OSP report said the 8 other people on the UCC bus suffered moderate to serious injuries. A social media post said the softball team was returning from playing Grays Harbor in a doubleheader at Southwestern Oregon Community College in Coos Bay when the wreck took place.
“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,” Pokrandt said. “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”.
UCC spokesperson Suzi Pritchard said the college is continuing to gather details and will provide updates as appropriate.
This story was first published by nrtoday.com, a news partner with the Rogue Valley Times. See updates at nrtoday.com.
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