Oregon community college coach and player killed when truck collides with softball team bus

By Canadian Press on April 19, 2025.

ROSEBURG, Ore. (AP) — An Oregon college softball team traveling from a game was involved in a two-vehicle crash that killed an athlete and coach, authorities said Saturday.

The driver of a pickup crossed a center line and crashed head-on into a bus carrying 10 members of the Umpqua Community College team Friday night in Coos County, Oregon State Police said.

Jami Strinz, 46, described on the school’s website as the head softball coach, was driving the Chevrolet Express bus. Police said she was later declared dead at a hospital.

Kiley Jones, 19, was declared dead at the scene. The freshman from Nampa, Idaho, played first base, according to the athletics department’s website.

The team was traveling from a game in Coos Bay, the department said in a post on the social platform X.

“We are deeply saddened to confirm that one of our student-athletes and one of our coaches lost their lives in the accident,” it said. “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.”

The other eight occupants of the bus suffered “moderate to serious injuries and were provided emergency medical services,” police said. The driver of the Chevrolet Silverado truck was also seriously injured and was taken to an emergency medical center.

“Impaired driving is considered a primary cause of the crash,” police said, and a criminal investigation was ongoing.

Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek said in a statement on X that her “heart aches” for the school family reeling from the tragedy. “Oregon is here for you in your grief and loss,” she said.

The Associated Press

13
-12