A tragic crash that claimed the lives of an Oregon community college softball coach and player has resulted in a 20-year DUII sentence for the driver. On Thursday, Judge Andrew E. Combs sentenced 33-year-old Johnathan James Dowdy to 20 ½ years in prison, followed by three years of post-prison supervision.
Judge Hands Down 20-year DUII Sentence
Dowdy pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including two counts of second-degree manslaughter, driving under the influence of intoxicants, and criminal driving while suspended or revoked (KDRV).
Dowdy’s license was permanently revoked, and he was fined $2,000. The sentence included 6 ¼ years for each manslaughter conviction.
Deadly Crash Details
On April 18, Dowdy’s pickup crossed the center line and collided with a Chevrolet Express bus carrying ten members of the Umpqua Community College softball team as they traveled home from a game in Coos Bay.
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Coach Jami Strinz, 46, who was driving the bus, was killed.
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Freshman Kiley Jones, 19, a first baseman on the team, also died.
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Eight other passengers suffered moderate to serious injuries.
Dowdy himself was also injured in the crash (The News-Review).
