Two dead, multiple injured in crash on Highway 42

COOS COUNTY, Ore. (KTVZ) -- A vehicle crash on Highway 42 turned deadly Friday night. Just before 10pm, Oregon State Police responded to a two-vehicle crash on Highway 42 in Coos County.

According to the initial investigation, a Chevrolet Silverado heading west crossed the centerline into the eastbound lane hitting a Chevrolet Express bus head-on.

The bus was carrying 10 members of the Umpqua Community College softball team.

The bus driver, Jami Lea Strinz, was taken to the hospital, where she later died. One of the passengers, Kiley Jones from Nampa, Idaho, was pronounced dead at the scene.

The driver of the Silverado, Johnathan James Dowdy of Coos Bay, was seriously injured. The other eight people on the bus were also hurt, suffering injuries ranging from moderate to serious.

Troopers say impaired driving is considered a primary factor in the crash.

Umpqua Community College released a statement saying, in part:

“UCC hearts are breaking with this news, and we ask the community to keep the families and all of those affected in their thoughts and prayers.”