The Umpqua Community College softball team was returning from a game in Coos Bay, Oregon, filled with the camaraderie and exhaustion of a day on the field, when tragedy struck. On a dark stretch of Oregon Highway 42, a pickup truck veered across the centerline, crashing head-on into the team’s Chevrolet Express bus. The collision claimed the lives of two cherished members of the team: head coach Jami Strinz, 46, and freshman player Kiley Jones, 19. Eight other players sustained injuries, ranging from moderate to serious, and were rushed to hospitals in Eugene and Portland. The driver of the pickup truck, also seriously injured, was taken to a medical facility. Authorities have identified impaired driving as the primary cause of the crash, and a criminal investigation is underway.
Jami Strinz was more than a coach; she was a mentor, a leader, and a cornerstone of the Umpqua Community College community. A resident of Pleasant Hill, Oregon, she brought a wealth of experience to the team, having previously coached at Portland State and George Fox universities. This season marked the inaugural year of the college’s softball program, a venture Strinz championed with passion. Known for her dedication to her players’ growth both on and off the field, she leaves behind a legacy of inspiration. Her partner, Steve Williams, serves as an assistant coach for the team, and together they share a daughter. The loss of Strinz has reverberated through the tight-knit community, with tributes pouring in for her warmth and commitment.
Kiley Jones, a freshman from Nampa, Idaho, was a rising star at first base, embodying the promise of youth and talent. At just 19, she had already made an indelible mark on her teammates with her enthusiasm and skill. Her death at the scene of the crash has left her family, friends, and teammates grappling with profound grief. Described as an exceptional student-athlete, Jones was a beloved figure on campus, her bright future now a poignant reminder of the fragility of life.
The crash occurred around 10 p.m. on Friday night in Coos County, a rural area known for its winding roads. The team bus, carrying 10 members of the softball program, was traveling eastbound when the westbound Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck crossed into its path. The force of the impact was devastating, leaving the bus mangled and the highway closed for hours as emergency responders worked to save lives. The eight injured players received immediate medical attention, with some remaining hospitalized over the weekend. The college has ensured that support services, including counseling, are available to students, faculty, and staff as they navigate this collective loss.
Oregon Governor Tina Kotek expressed her sorrow in a statement, noting that her “heart aches” for the Umpqua community. She emphasized the state’s support for those affected, a sentiment echoed by college president Rachel Pokrandt. In a heartfelt statement, Pokrandt described Strinz and Jones as cherished members of the campus, their absence a wound felt deeply by all. The college has called for privacy for the families and encouraged the community to hold them in their thoughts.
As the investigation into the crash continues, questions linger about the role of impaired driving and the preventable nature of the tragedy. The Umpqua Community College softball team, in its first season, was a symbol of new beginnings. Now, it faces an unimaginable challenge: mourning the loss of two of its own while supporting the recovery of others. The community’s response—marked by vigils, shared memories, and a resolve to honor Strinz and Jones—reflects the strength that emerges in the face of heartbreak. For now, the focus remains on healing, remembering, and ensuring that the legacies of a dedicated coach and a promising young athlete endure.
