COKEEL, Oregon (AP) — Oregon State Police have arrested a driver behind a fatal crash involving a community college softball team in which the player and coach were killed.
Jonathan Dowdy, 32, was held at the Coos County Jail on Tuesday, where he is booked for crimes such as manslaughter, reckless danger and driving under the influence of drunkenness, Oregon State Police said.
As of Tuesday morning, Dowdy had no defense attorneys to speak on his behalf. When contacted by phone, the prison said Dowdy had not yet appeared in the first court.
State police said they are actively investigating the clash.
Dowdy was driving a pickup truck Friday when he crashed over the center line and into a bus carrying 10 members of the Umpqua Community College softball team, police said.
Jami Strinz, 46, was described as a head softball coach on the school website and was driving a Chevrolet Express bus. Police said she was later declared dead in the hospital.
Kylie Jones, 19, was declared dead at the scene. According to the Athletics Club website, the new student from Idaho Pickup played One Base.
The team was traveling from a game in Coos Bay, according to a school statement.
“We are deeply saddened to confirm that one of the student-athletes, Kiley Jones, and one of our coaches, Jami Strinz, lost their lives in the accident,” President Rachel Pokland said in a statement.
“These individuals were important members of our campus. They are exceptional student-athletes, passionate and talented coaches. Our entire community is grieving this tragic loss, and our sincere condolences are with our families, teammates and loved ones.”
Police said eight other residents of the bus were “moderate to serious injuries and were provided with emergency medical services.” Some staff and students who were treated at Eugene and Portland hospitals on Saturday did not respond to emails immediately on Tuesday to see if they were still hospitalized, according to the school.
Dowdy was also injured and was admitted to the hospital for care, state police said.
Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek said in a statement on Social Platform X that she was “heartbroken” by her family being caught up in the tragedy. “Oregon is here for you in your grief and loss,” she said.
