Tragedy Strikes Oregon College as Softball Player and Coach Die in Post-Game Accident

Coos County, Oregon | April 18, 2025

DUII Crash on Oregon 42 Kills Umpqua Community College Softball Coach and Player, Injures Eight Others

A devastating collision involving the Umpqua Community College (UCC) softball team bus has claimed the lives of head coach Jami Strinz and 19-year-old student-athlete Kiley Nevaeh Jones. The crash occurred on the night of April 18, 2025, as the team was returning to their Roseburg campus after a successful doubleheader in Coos Bay.

Oregon State Police say that 32-year-old Jonathan James Dowdy, of Coos Bay, was driving a Chevrolet Silverado westbound on Oregon Route 42 when he crossed the centerline and collided head-on with the team’s Chevrolet Express bus near milepost 23, outside Myrtle Point. Strinz, who was driving the bus, was rushed to a hospital with critical injuries and later died. Jones, a freshman first-base player from Nampa, Idaho, died at the scene.

Eight other team members—students and staff—suffered moderate to serious injuries and were transported to hospitals in Coquille, Eugene, and Portland. Some survivors have since been discharged, while others remain in recovery.

Driver Arrested on Manslaughter and DUII Charges

On April 22, just days after the crash, Dowdy was arrested and booked into the Coos County Jail. He faces a litany of felony charges, including:

• First-degree manslaughter
• Second- and third-degree assault
• Reckless driving
• Reckless endangerment
• Driving with a suspended license
• DUII (driving under the influence of intoxicants)

According to court records, Dowdy was already facing a previous DUII charge stemming from a January 2025 arrest. In that incident, he was found with unopened cans of Coors Light in his vehicle and exhibited signs of intoxication. He had pleaded guilty to unrelated poaching charges just one day before the April 18 crash.

Oregon State Police stated that impaired driving is suspected to be the primary cause of the collision. A full criminal investigation remains ongoing.

Survivors Recount Chaos and Loss Onboard the Bus

In interviews with local media, UCC players Haven Frable and Torrin Richardson described the horrifying moments during and after the crash. Frable, who suffered a broken hand and a concussion, helped her teammates escape the overturned bus through an emergency hatch. Richardson, who experienced memory loss and a head injury, recalled waking up on the roadside, stunned by the wreckage.

The team had been celebrating a victorious doubleheader earlier that day, marking a high point in UCC’s inaugural season of varsity softball. The collision abruptly ended that celebration and left the community reeling.

Remembering Jami Strinz and Kiley Jones

Coach Jami Strinz, 46, was not only the head softball coach but also led UCC’s volleyball team. She was known for her mentorship, passion, and dedication to student-athletes. Teammates described her as a “second mom” who was deeply involved in their personal and athletic development.

Jones, a first-year student-athlete, was remembered by her peers as someone whose vibrant presence lit up any room she entered. “She was just such a radiant person,” said Frable.

UCC President Dr. Rachel Pokrandt expressed profound sorrow in a public statement: “These individuals were cherished members of our campus—an exceptional student-athlete, and a passionate and talented coach. Our entire community is grieving this loss.”

Legal Implications: Wrongful Death and DUII Injury Claims in Oregon

This incident underscores the devastating impact of impaired driving and potential avenues for legal recourse under Oregon law. Families of the deceased could consider pursuing wrongful death claims against the at-fault driver, while injured survivors may be entitled to compensation under Oregon’s personal injury and Oregon drunk driver accident injury laws.

Given Dowdy’s extensive charges and prior DUII history, civil liability in addition to criminal charges is likely to be a key issue in the aftermath of the crash. Victims and their families may be able to seek damages for medical expenses, pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of companionship, and other harms.

Seeking Accountability and Support

While a criminal investigation proceeds, counseling and support services have been made available to students, staff, and families impacted by the crash.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a DUII-related accident or suffered the loss of a family member due to impaired driving, the legal team at Pacific Injury Law Firm is here to help guide you through the legal process. Contact us for a free consultation at https://pacificinjurylawfirm.com/contact or call 971-277-3811.