Tragedy struck an Oregon college softball team after a deadly two-vehicle crash Friday night claimed the lives of a player and a coach.
According to Oregon State Police, a pickup truck veered across the center line and collided head-on with a van carrying 10 members of the Umpqua Community College softball team. The crash happened in Coos County as the team was returning from a game in Coos Bay.
Jami Strinz, 46, who served as head softball coach and was behind the wheel of the Chevrolet Express van, was later pronounced dead at a hospital. Freshman Kiley Jones, 19, from Nampa, Idaho, died at the scene. Jones played first base for the Riverhawks, as noted by the college’s athletics department.
In a statement, UCC President Rachel Pokrandt expressed the college’s sorrow: “We are deeply saddened to confirm that one of our student-athletes, Kiley Jones, and one of our coaches, Jami Strinz, lost their lives in the accident. These individuals were cherished members of our campus — an exceptional student-athlete, and a passionate and talented coach. Our entire community is grieving this tragic loss, and our heartfelt condolences are with their families, teammates, and loved ones.”
Eight others on the van suffered moderate to serious injuries. Emergency services responded quickly, and several of the injured remained hospitalized in Eugene and Portland as of Saturday, according to the college.
The driver of the other vehicle, a Chevrolet Silverado, was also seriously injured and transported to a medical facility.
Authorities believe impaired driving played a major role in the crash, and a criminal investigation is underway.
Oregon Governor Tina Kotek offered her condolences on social media, sharing, “My heart aches for the Umpqua Community College family. Oregon is here for you in your grief and loss.”