Driver faces manslaughter in Umpqua Community College team bus crash
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) -- The driver involved in a Coos County crash that killed an Umpqua Community College softball player and coach was arrested and booked for manslaughter after he was released from the hospital.
Jonathan James Dowdy allegedly drove his Chevy Silverado across the centerline on Highway 42 this past Friday and slammed into the bus carrying 10 members of the UCC softball team.
Bus driver Jami Lea Strinz, 46, was critically hurt and later died at the hospital. Kiley Nevaeh Jones, 19, died at the scene. The 8 other team members “suffered moderate to serious injuries,” OSP said at the time of the crash.
Dowdy faces 29 separate charges, including DUII and two counts of manslaughter. He also faces 14 counts of reckless endangerment, 8 counts of assault, plus single counts each for aggravated driving with a suspended or revoked license, reckless driving, driving with a suspended license and criminal mischief.
The crash itself remains an open and active investigation, the Oregon State Police said.
No other information is available at this time.