Tragedy on OR 42: UCC Softball Team Involved in Fatal Crash
Two people were killed and several members of the UCC softball team injured in a head-on crash on OR 42 in Coos County. A van carrying 10 players was struck by a pickup that crossed the centerline. Impaired driving is suspected. The crash is under investigation.
COOS COUNTY, Ore. — A tragic head-on crash on Oregon Route 42 has left two people dead and multiple members of the Umpqua Community College (UCC) softball team injured.
According to the Oregon State Police, the collision occurred when a westbound Chevrolet Silverado, driven by Johnathan James Dowdy, 32, of Coos Bay, crossed the centerline and struck an eastbound Chevrolet Express van head-on. The van, operated by Jami Lea Strinz, 46, of Roseburg, was carrying 10 members of the UCC softball team.
Dowdy suffered serious injuries and was transported to an emergency medical center.
Strinz was transported with critical injuries and was later pronounced deceased at the hospital.
One passenger in the van, Kiley Nevaeh Jones, 19, of Nampa, Idaho, was pronounced dead at the scene.
The remaining eight occupants of the Chevrolet Express suffered moderate to serious injuries and were treated by emergency medical personnel. Their identities have not been released at this time.
The highway was closed for approximately five hours while the crash scene was investigated. Authorities believe impaired driving was a primary factor in the crash.
Due to the ongoing criminal investigation, additional details are not being released at this time.
The Oregon State Police were assisted at the scene by the Myrtle Point Police Department, Coquille Police Department, Coos County Sheriff’s Office, Myrtle Point Fire, Coquille Fire, and the Oregon Department of Transportation.
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