An Oregon college softball squad was involved in a crash that killed the team’s head coach and a student athlete, authorities said Saturday.
On Friday night, a pickup truck crashed head-on into a bus, which was carrying 10 members of the Umpqua Community College team that were traveling from a game in Coos Bay, Oregon State Police said.
The team’s head coach Jami Strinz, 46, who was driving the Chevrolet Express bus, was declared dead at a hospital following the incident, police said.
Kiley Jones, 19, a freshman who played first base, was declared dead at the scene.
The bus’ other occupants suffered “moderate to serious injuries and were provided emergency medical services,” officials 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 community college’s president, Dr. Rachel Pokrandt, said in a statement.
“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.”
The driver of the pickup truck, 32-year-old Johnathan James Dowdy, was also seriously in the wreck and taken to an emergency medical center, according to KGW8.
Police said “impaired driving is considered a primary cause of the crash” and a criminal investigation was ongoing.
Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek offered her condolences, saying her “heart aches” in a X post.
“Oregon is here for you in your grief and loss,” the governor said. “You are in my prayers.”
With Post wires.
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