The Umpqua Community College (UCC) community is mourning the tragic loss of head softball coach Jami Lea Strinz, 46, of Roseburg, Oregon, who died following a devastating vehicle collision on April 18, 2025. The accident occurred on Highway 42 in Coos County as the UCC softball team was returning from a game in Coos Bay.
According to Oregon State Police, a westbound Chevrolet Silverado, driven by 32-year-old Johnathan James Dowdy of Coos Bay, crossed the centerline and collided head-on with the eastbound Chevrolet Express bus operated by Coach Strinz. The bus was carrying 10 members of the UCC softball team. Coach Strinz sustained critical injuries and was transported to a local hospital, where she was later pronounced dead. Freshman player Kiley Nevaeh Jones, 19, of Nampa, Idaho, was declared deceased at the scene.
The remaining eight passengers on the bus suffered moderate to serious injuries and received emergency medical treatment. The driver of the pickup truck also sustained serious injuries and was taken to an emergency medical center. Authorities have indicated that impaired driving is considered a primary cause of the crash, and a criminal investigation is ongoing.
UCC President Dr. Rachel Pokrandt expressed the college’s grief, stating, “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. These individuals were cherished members of our campus—an exceptional student-athlete, and a passionate and talented … .”
Oregon Governor Tina Kotek also shared her condolences, stating, “My heart aches for the UCC family reeling from this tragedy. Oregon is here for you in your … . You are in my prayers.”
Support services are being made available to all students, faculty, and staff at UCC as the community navigates this profound loss. Memorial arrangements for Coach Strinz and Kiley Jones will be announced by the college in the coming days.