Coos Bay Father Sentenced to Over 20 Years in Fatal Crash That Killed Umpqua Softball Coach and Player

COOS COUNTY, Ore. — A 33-year-old father of two small children has been placed on suicide watch following his sentence of more than 20 years in prison for his involvement in an accident while intoxicated that claimed the lives of two people from the Umpqua Community College softball team.

Johnathan Dowdy of Coos Bay was involved in a collision in April while under the influence of alcohol.

The accident occurred when the college softball team was returning to Roseburg after a game in North Bend. Team player, Kiley Jones, and coach Jami Strinz were killed, and Dowdy was seriously injured. Eight other players also sustained injuries in the accident.

According to court documents, Dowdy was arrested for drunk driving three months before the fatal accident. Dowdy was also injured in that accident and was attacked by an inmate in jail, where he was lodged after receiving hospital treatment.

His attorney has confirmed that Dowdy has been placed on suicide watch.