PORTLAND, Ore. — The Pacific Northwest softball community is grieving the loss of Jeff Flood, a beloved coach, father, and mentor who died in a tragic crash on Interstate 84 early Saturday morning.
The Crash
According to Oregon State Police, a driver in a BMW was traveling westbound in the eastbound lanes when it struck Flood’s Tesla head-on. The Tesla caught fire, and Flood died at the scene.
The driver of the BMW was rushed to a hospital with serious injuries. Authorities have not confirmed whether charges will be filed, though the crash remains under criminal investigation.
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A Builder of Teams and Community
Flood was known throughout the Northwest for his dedication to youth and community sports. Parent Ashley Caruso, whose son once played for Flood, recalled how he created a traveling baseball team called the Sandy Golden Spikes to give local boys a chance to compete at a higher level.
“It was a big thing for the community,” Caruso said. “We only had one small rec league, and he made a tournament team for more competitive boys. He gave them opportunities they wouldn’t have had otherwise.”
Remembered Across Ballparks
The impact of Flood’s loss was felt far beyond his hometown. The Washington USSSA GSL, a slowpitch softball organization, described him as “a pillar of the Northwest softball community, a fierce competitor, and most importantly, a devoted father.”
Their tribute continued:
“His name was known across every ballpark from Oregon to Washington, not just for his talent, but for his unwavering sportsmanship and fierce loyalty to his teammates. But Jeff’s greatest pride wasn’t measured in home runs, trophies, or championship rings. It was found in the eyes of his boys. Every swing he took, every mile he drove, every tournament he played in — it was all for them.”
A Dedicated Worker and Friend
Outside the ballpark, Flood also worked for TriMet as a Light Rail Vehicle Technician Trainee. The agency issued a heartfelt statement following news of his death:
“TriMet is heartbroken by the loss of our employee Jeff Flood. Jeff was well-liked and respected by those who worked with him. Our hearts go out to Jeff’s family, loved ones, and colleagues who are mourning his loss.”
TriMet confirmed Flood was not on duty at the time of the crash and added that grief counseling and support services will be made available to employees.
Supporting the Family
Flood leaves behind two sons who, friends say, were the center of his world. A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to help the family cover memorial costs and provide financial support in the difficult days ahead.
A Lasting Legacy
For those who knew him, Jeff Flood’s legacy is not only in wins and championships but in the lives he touched as a coach, teammate, colleague, and father. His sudden death leaves a void in the community, but the outpouring of tributes reflects how deeply he was loved and how widely his influence was felt.
As one parent put it: “He gave so much to our kids, to this game, and to this community. We’ll never forget him.”
