A crash involving a truck and an Oregon softball team bus resulted in the tragic deaths of the team's head coach and a 19-year-old student athlete. Jami Strinz, 46, and Kiley Jones, 19, died after the pickup truck crashed head-on with their bus, which was carrying a total of 10 Umpqua Community College (UCC) team members.
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UCC revealed that the tragic news of both Strinz's and Jones's deaths took place while the whole team was traveling to a softball game in Coos Bay, Oregon. The crash happened on Highway 32 on Friday, April 18, at around 9:56 p.m., as per Oregon State police, and reported by KGW.
The pickup truck driver, Johnathan James Dowdy, was traveling west and crossed the center line, entering the eastbound lane. This caused the truck to violently crash head-on into the team bus, killing freshman Kiley Jones. Head coach Jami Strinz, who was driving the bus, was transported to a local hospital. However, she later succumbed to her injuries.
The surviving eight occupants suffered moderate to severe injuries, as per local police. Meanwhile, the pickup truck driver, Dowdy, became seriously injured during the crash. Following the incident, he was rushed to a local emergency medical center.
According to the New York Post, police believe that impaired driving is the "primary cause of the crash." The incident remains under investigation.
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UCC's president, Dr. Rachel Pokrandt, addressed the incident by issuing a statement.
"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," Pokrandt wrote.
"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."
Similarly, Oregon Governor Tina Kotek addressed the crash and tragic loss of life on X.
"My heart aches for the Umpqua Community College family reeling from this tragedy," Kotek wrote. "Oregon is here for you in your grief and loss. You are in my prayers. Many thanks to Oregon State Police and other emergency responders for their compassionate response."
