UCC Student-Athlete, Kiley Nevaeh Jones, 19, Dies In Car Accident, Leaving Her Parents Behind!

April 20, 2026

This article was last updated by Aditi Rai on April 20, 2026

A 19-year-old freshman softball player from Nampa, Idaho, Kiley Nevaeh Jones, died in a devastating head-on collision on Highway 42 in Coos County, Oregon, on April 18, 2026, alongside her coach, Jami Lea Strinz.

is survived by her parents, Nikki Massimino Mahoney and Brian Jones, her younger sister, as well as her extended family.

After her heartbreaking passing, her mother, Nikki, changed her profile picture to one that included her. The post drew an outpouring of condolences and expressions of sorrow from many.

UCC Student-Athlete Kiley Nevaeh Jones with her mother, Nikki. (Image Source: )

According to the UCC athletics website, Kiley Nevaeh Jones was a talented first baseman for the UCC RiverHawks, with a batting average of .292.

The tragic incident occurred around 9:56 p.m. near milepost 23 on Highway 42 as the UCC softball team was returning from a victorious game against Grays Harbor College in Coos Bay.

According to the Oregon State Police, a westbound Chevrolet Silverado, driven by 32-year-old Johnathan James Dowdy of Coos Bay, crossed the centerline. It collided head-on with the eastbound Chevrolet Express van carrying 10 members of the UCC softball team, including Jones and Strinz.

The team had been celebrating a sweep against Grays Harbor College just hours before the tragedy.

A Facebook post by Coach Strinz, shared shortly before the crash, captured the team’s joy, with Jones and her teammates beaming in a photo that now serves as a heartbreaking reminder of the loss.

Kiley Nevaeh Jones was pronounced dead at the scene, while Coach Jami Lea Strinz, 46, of Roseburg, was critically injured and later succumbed to her injuries at a hospital.

Eight other team members sustained moderate to serious injuries and were transported to hospitals in Eugene and Portland for treatment, though their identities have not been released.

Dowdy, the driver of the Silverado, was also seriously injured and taken to an emergency medical center.

The Oregon State Police have identified impaired driving as a primary cause of the crash, which led to a five-hour closure of Highway 42 for investigation. A criminal investigation is underway, though no further details have been released.

Our deepest sympathies go out to Jones’ parents, sister, and extended family during this heartbreaking period.

• Check other Articles on

Aditi is an avid music lover whose interest's goes beyond the realm of music, with passion in digital marketing. A Gen Z who loves her personal space and is keen to exploring new things. An optimist who seeks silver lining in every circumstances life throws at her.

Related articles

May 14, 2026

May 14, 2026

May 13, 2026

May 12, 2026

Comments

LEAVE A REPLY

Comment: Please enter your comment! Name:* Please enter your name here Email:* You have entered an incorrect email address! Please enter your email address here

Δ

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam.

Share article

- May 14, 2026 Howard Paul Sr., a graduate of Black River High School, tragically passed away. Paul was born on September 15, 1951, to his father, Arthur, and...

- May 14, 2026 A disturbing act of violence at Steven's Park in Allentown has left residents shaken and demanding answers after a witness took to social media...

- May 13, 2026 Residents of Biggleswade, Bedfordshire, are raising serious concerns after a series of violent incidents involving a group of young boys who have been targeting...

- May 13, 2026 Andrew O' Donnell of Fairfield, Connecticut, passed away at the age of 39. He was born in Fairfield, Connecticut, and later moved to Ancramdale, New...

- May 12, 2026 Judy (Evans) Milby of Rockwall, Texas, passed away on Saturday at the age of 80. Milby was born on July 25, 1945, to her father,...