Coos County, OR (April 21, 2025) – A devastating head-on collision on Highway 42 Friday night has left two people dead—including a college student from Idaho and a softball coach—and sent eight others to the hospital with injuries. The crash involved a college team bus carrying student-athletes and is being investigated as a case of impaired driving, according to Oregon State Police.
The collision occurred at approximately 9:56 p.m. on April 18 near milepost 23. Investigators say a westbound Chevrolet Silverado, driven by 32-year-old Johnathan James Dowdy of Coos Bay, veered across the centerline and struck an eastbound Chevrolet Express bus head-on. The bus was transporting 10 members of the Umpqua Community College softball team back from a game.
The driver of the team bus, 46-year-old Jami Lea Strinz of Roseburg, suffered critical injuries in the crash and was transported to a hospital, where she was later pronounced dead. Also killed in the crash was 19-year-old Kiley Nevaeh Jones of Nampa, Idaho, a passenger on the bus. She was pronounced deceased at the scene.
The remaining eight occupants of the bus sustained moderate to serious injuries and were treated by emergency responders. Their names have not yet been released.
Dowdy, the driver of the Silverado, was seriously injured and transported to a nearby medical facility. Authorities have stated that impaired driving is considered a primary factor in the collision, though additional details are being withheld pending the outcome of the investigation.
Highway 42 was closed for roughly five hours while emergency crews and investigators worked. Oregon State Police were assisted by Myrtle Point Police, Coquille Police, the Coos County Sheriff’s Office, and multiple fire and rescue units.
Our deepest condolences go out to the families and loved ones of Kiley Jones and Coach Strinz, and we wish strength and healing to the injured students and their families during this incredibly difficult time.
Impaired Driving and Team Travel Safety in Oregon
This tragic crash on Highway 42 not only claimed the lives of two cherished members of the Umpqua Community College softball program but also put a spotlight on the devastating consequences of impaired driving—particularly when it endangers groups like school or collegiate teams.
According to the Oregon Department of Transportation, impaired driving remains one of the most common contributors to fatal crashes in the state. When impaired drivers cross into oncoming traffic, especially on rural highways like Hwy 42 with limited lighting and barriers, the outcome can be catastrophic.
The loss of Coach Jami Strinz and student-athlete Kiley Jones is being felt deeply by both the UCC campus and the broader Roseburg and Nampa communities. As a coach, Strinz was responsible not only for athletic leadership but also for the well-being of her players. Jones, just 19, had a promising future cut tragically short.
Group travel for student-athletes typically involves extensive safety planning, but such protocols cannot always protect against the unpredictable actions of other drivers. This case underscores the critical need for continued public education, DUI enforcement, and support systems for affected families.
If your family has been affected by a serious crash involving impaired driving, Local Accident Reports is here to help. We connect victims and families with the resources they need, including legal guidance, trauma recovery, and medical referrals. Don’t navigate this alone—reach out today for compassionate support and trusted direction in the wake of tragedy.
