PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — A Washington man who caused a devastating crash that killed an Oregon community college softball coach and player has been sentenced to more than 20 years in prison, bringing an emotional conclusion to a case that rocked Umpqua Community College.
The Fatal Crash
On April 18, 2024, 33-year-old Johnathan James Dowdy was behind the wheel of his pickup truck when he crossed the center line on an Oregon highway. His truck collided head-on with a Chevrolet Express bus carrying 10 members of the Umpqua Community College softball team, according to Oregon State Police.
The team had just finished a game in Coos Bay and was traveling back when tragedy struck.
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The bus was driven by head coach Jami Strinz, 46, who was killed instantly. Also killed was freshman Kiley Jones, 19, a first baseman known for her energy on and off the field. The eight other players on board suffered moderate to serious injuries, while Dowdy himself was also injured in the crash.
The Sentence
Dowdy pleaded guilty to a series of charges, including two counts of second-degree manslaughter, multiple assault charges, driving under the influence of intoxicants, and criminal driving while suspended or revoked.
On Thursday, Judge Andrew E. Combs sentenced him to 20 ½ years in prison, followed by three years of post-prison supervision. The sentence included 6 ¼ years for each manslaughter conviction, combined with additional penalties for the related charges.
Dowdy’s driver’s license was revoked for life, and he was fined $2,000, ensuring he will never legally drive again.
A History of Recklessness
Court records revealed that Dowdy had a long history of dangerous driving behavior. His record included multiple prior convictions for drunken driving, as well as repeated violations for driving while suspended, revoked, or uninsured.
That history left families of the victims questioning why he was on the road at all. Many in attendance at the sentencing said they feared this tragedy could have been prevented.
Families Speak Out
The sentencing hearing drew a crowd of mourners and supporters, including members of the UCC softball and soccer teams, along with the school’s president and athletic director.
Among those who addressed the court were Nichole and Scott Mahoney, Jones’ mother and stepfather, who described her as a vibrant, compassionate young woman who was just beginning her adult life.
Jones was remembered as a three-sport varsity athlete in high school with aspirations of becoming a law enforcement officer. Her love for animals and children, paired with her sense of humor, made her a cherished daughter, sister, and teammate.
“Her little sister used to have somebody to call and talk to about anything, and now she doesn’t have that,” said Scott Mahoney. “Her friends don’t have that person to confide in anymore, to joke with, to celebrate the launching of a pumpkin spice coffee.”
While expressing forgiveness toward Dowdy, Nichole Mahoney stressed that his sentence felt too lenient. “Although I forgive him because I don’t want to live in bitterness and anger, I don’t excuse his bad behavior and his bad choice,” she said.
Lingering Pain for UCC
The deaths of Strinz and Jones devastated the small Umpqua Community College community in Roseburg. Strinz, who also coached baseball at the college, was remembered as a dedicated mentor who invested deeply in his athletes’ success both on and off the field.
The crash left the softball program and wider athletics community in mourning. Though teammates and fellow athletes have rallied together in the months since, the loss of two beloved members continues to weigh heavily.
Moving Forward
For the Mahoneys and the Strinz family, the sentencing offers some closure but little relief from the enduring pain of losing loved ones so suddenly.
For Umpqua Community College, the tragedy serves as a stark reminder of how fragile life can be and how one reckless decision on the road can shatter entire communities.
As one teammate said quietly outside the courtroom: “We’ll never forget Coach Strinz and Kiley. They’ll always be part of this team.”
