Two Killed, Several Injured in Highway Crash Involving UCC Softball Team

Coos County, Oregon- On Friday, April 18, 2025, at approximately 9:56 p.m., Oregon State Police (OSP) responded to a two-vehicle collision on Highway 42 near milepost 23 in Coos County.

A preliminary investigation revealed that a westbound Chevrolet Silverado, driven by Johnathan James Dowdy, 32, of Coos Bay, crossed the centerline and collided head-on with an eastbound Chevrolet Express bus. The bus was transporting 10 members of the Umpqua Community College (UCC) softball team and was operated by Jami Lea Strinz, 46, of Roseburg.

Dowdy sustained serious injuries and was transported to a medical facility. Strinz was transported with critical injuries and was later pronounced deceased at the hospital.

Passenger Kiley Nevaeh Jones, 19, of Nampa, Idaho, was declared deceased at the scene. The remaining eight occupants of the bus suffered moderate to serious injuries and received emergency medical care.

The highway was closed for approximately five hours during the on-scene investigation. OSP has identified impaired driving as a primary cause of the crash. Due to the ongoing criminal investigation, additional details are not available at this time.

Umpqua Community College issued a statement:

“We are deeply saddened to confirm that one of our student-athletes and one of our coaches lost their lives in the accident. Additional staff and students remain in local area hospitals. 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.”

Oregon Governor Tina Kotek expressed her condolences:

“My heart aches for the [UCC] family reeling from this tragedy. Oregon is here for you in your grief and loss. You are in my prayers. Many thanks to [OSP] and other emergency responders for their compassionate response.”

OSP was assisted at the scene by Myrtle Point Police Department, Coquille Police Department, Coos County Sheriff’s Office, Myrtle Point Fire, Coquille Fire, and the Oregon Department of Transportation.

On Monday, April 21, 2025, at 5:59 p.m., Oregon State Police arrested Jonathan James Dowdy. Dowdy was released from RiverBend Hospital after he was admitted and received care for injuries suffered during the crash on April 18. After his arrest, Dowdy was lodged in the Coos County Jail for the following crimes: