Tragic Loss in Oregon Crash Death & Obituary : The Umpqua Community College (UCC) community and the broader softball world are in mourning following the heartbreaking deaths of Head Coach Jami Strinz and freshman athlete Kiley Jones in a tragic car accident on Friday evening. The fatal crash occurred on Highway 42 in Oregon, as the UCC softball team was returning from a competition.
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According to initial reports, a westbound Chevrolet Silverado veered into oncoming traffic and collided head-on with the UCC mini-bus traveling eastbound. The impact was devastating. Emergency responders quickly arrived on the scene. Of the ten individuals aboard the UCC vehicle, several were injured—some critically.
Coach Jami Strinz
Coach Jami Strinz joined Umpqua Community College in 2023 and quickly became a pillar of the athletic program. More than just a coach, she was a mentor, leader, and advocate for her players. Known for her competitive spirit, nurturing guidance, and unwavering support, Strinz left a lasting impression on every student-athlete she coached.
Her reach extended far beyond the UCC campus. As a prominent figure in the Pacific Northwest softball community, she dedicated years to the PNW Shamrocks Club Program, guiding numerous young athletes toward collegiate success. Her coaching legacy was grounded in personal experience—she was a standout collegiate player at Bradley University and also competed internationally with the Irish National Team.
Softball ran deep in the Strinz family. Her father, Tim Strinz, was a respected coach, and her sister, Sami Strinz-Ward, is also a well-known collegiate coach, having led programs at Loyola Marymount and Texas Tech. Jami carried this legacy with pride and purpose, continuing her family’s tradition of shaping lives through sport.
Honoring Kiley Jones
Kiley Jones, a freshman from Idaho, was remembered as a bright, passionate, and kind-hearted young woman with a love for softball. In a short time at UCC, she had already become a beloved member of the team, admired for her dedication, work ethic, and uplifting spirit. Her untimely passing is a profound loss to her teammates, coaches, and all who knew her.
A Community in Mourning
The sudden loss of both Coach Strinz and Kiley Jones has left a deep void within the UCC athletics family and the wider sports community. In the wake of this tragedy, the UCC Athletics Department has requested privacy as they support grieving students, staff, and families affected by the crash.
Plans are currently underway for a candlelight vigil and memorial services to honor and celebrate the lives of Coach Strinz and Kiley. Tributes and condolences have been pouring in from across the country, a testament to the lasting impact they made on and off the field.
Conclusion
In life and in sport, Jami Strinz and Kiley Jones inspired those around them. Their legacy will live on through the lives they touched, the values they instilled, and the memories they leave behind. They will forever be remembered as cherished and irreplaceable members of the UCC and softball communities.
