Kiley Jones Idaho Death and Obituary – The Umpqua Community College (UCC) community and the wider softball world are mourning the tragic loss of Head Coach Jami Strinz and freshman athlete Kiley Jones, who were killed in a devastating car accident in Oregon on Friday evening. The fatal crash occurred on Highway 42 as the UCC softball team was returning from a competition. According to initial reports, a westbound Chevrolet Silverado crossed into oncoming traffic, colliding head-on with the UCC mini-bus traveling east. The impact was severe, prompting an immediate response from emergency personnel. Ten individuals from the UCC softball program were on board; several sustained injuries, with some in critical condition.
Coach Jami Strinz joined Umpqua Community College in 2023 and had quickly made a significant impact, not just through her coaching but through her mentorship and care for student-athletes. Known for her dedication, competitive drive, and compassionate leadership, Strinz was more than a coach—she was a role model and advocate for her players. Her commitment to balancing athletic excellence with academic and personal growth earned her widespread admiration both on campus and beyond.
Strinz’s influence extended far beyond UCC. She was a prominent figure in the softball community through her work with the Pacific Northwest (PNW) Shamrocks Club Program, where she mentored countless young athletes and helped guide them to collegiate opportunities. Her coaching legacy, rooted in her own experiences as a standout collegiate player at Bradley University and an international athlete with the Irish National Team, was shaped by a lifelong dedication to the game.
Softball was a family tradition for the Strinz family. Her father, Tim Strinz, was a highly respected coach, and her sister, Sami Strinz-Ward, also followed the coaching path, holding head coaching positions at top collegiate programs including Loyola Marymount and Texas Tech. Jami carried this legacy with grace, continuing her family’s tradition of shaping young lives through the game.
Kiley Jones, a promising freshman from Idaho, was remembered as a bright and determined young athlete with a passion for softball and a kind-hearted spirit. Her future was filled with potential, and her loss is especially heartbreaking to those who knew her dedication to the sport and her teammates. She had already become an integral part of the UCC softball family, earning the respect and admiration of her peers in a short time.
The loss of Jami Strinz and Kiley Jones has left a deep void in the hearts of many. Their impact will be remembered not only through their achievements but through the lives they touched. The UCC Athletics Department has requested privacy during this difficult time as they focus on supporting students, staff, and the grieving families.
Plans for a candlelight vigil and memorial services are underway to honor their memory. As condolences pour in from across the nation, one thing is clear: Coach Strinz and Kiley Jones will forever be remembered as cherished members of the softball family.
The post Kiley Jones Idaho Death: Freshmen Kiley Jones and Umpqua Community College Head Coach Jami Strinz Dies in Oregon Car Accident first appeared on Trusted and Verified USA News.
