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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.

• Coach Jami Strinz, 46, who was driving the bus, was killed.

• Freshman Kiley Jones, 19, a first baseman on the team, also died.

• Eight other passengers suffered moderate to serious injuries.

Dowdy himself was also injured in the crash (The News-Review).

History of Violations

Court records show Dowdy had a troubling history behind the wheel. Just one month before the fatal accident, he was charged in a DUII case in Coos County. Since 2019, he had received multiple citations for driving with a suspended license, without insurance, and without a license (KTVZ).

Family Reactions

The family of Kiley Jones expressed disappointment in what they considered a lenient punishment.

“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,” said her mother, Nichole Mahoney.

Her stepfather, Scott Mahoney, added:

“Her little sister used to have somebody to call and talk to about anything, and now she doesn’t have that. Her friends don’t have that person to confide in anymore, to joke with, to laugh about, to celebrate the launching of a pumpkin spice coffee.”

Jones was remembered as a caring and funny young woman who loved animals, excelled in athletics, and dreamed of a career in law enforcement.