UCC athlete, coach die in head-on crash in Coos County

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) -- A teenage athlete and a coach from Umpqua Community College were killed in a crash that injured 8 other students and staff while traveling from a softball game Friday night, the Oregon State Police said in a release. A Chevy Silverado crossed the centerline on Highway 42 in Coos County just before 10 p.m. Friday and slammed head-on into the bus carrying UCC softball team members plus the driver, authorities said. Bus driver Jami Lea Strinz, 46, was critically hurt and later died at the hospital. Kiley Nevaeh Jones, 19, died at the scene. The 8 other team members "suffered moderate to serious injuries," OSP said. Their names have not been released. The driver of the Silverado, 32-year-old Johnathan James Dowdy of Coos Bay, was seriously hurt and rushed to an emergency center for treatment. Authorities said they believe "impaired driving is considered a primary cause" in the crash. Highway 42 was affected for about 5 hours during the initial investigation. A criminal investigation is now underway and no other details are available at this time. Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek posted her condolences on X: "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." In a statement Saturday, UCC President Dr. Rachel Pokrandt 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. 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. 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. 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.”