Umpuqua Community College Athlete, Coach Die in Highway Crash Returning from Coos Bay Softball Game
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A tragic accident claimed the lives of a student athlete and a coach from Umpqua Community College while they were returning from a softball game in Coos Bay, authorities confirmed Saturday. Several other students and staff members remain hospitalized.
The identities of the victims have not yet been released pending family notification. The student athlete and coach were among those traveling from the game when the vehicle collided with another car in a head-on crash.
The Coos County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the circumstances of the accident. Early reports indicate the collision may have involved a driver exhibiting erratic behavior prior to the crash. The North Umpqua Bible Fellowship Youth Group, commenting on the accident, alleged the school bus was hit by a ‘drunk driver’.
Aside from the two fatalities, other injured students and coaches were transported to multiple hospitals in the area, including one flown to OHSU and one to Riverbend, some in Coos Bay, and some in Coquille. One parent, Audrey Frable, identified her daughter, Haven, as among the injured.
Officials urge anyone who witnessed the crash or who may have dashcam footage of the incident or the suspect vehicle to contact the sheriff’s office at 541-396-2106.
Umpqua Community College expressed profound sorrow over the loss, extending condolences to the families and the entire college community. The softball program is expected to hold a memorial for the victims in the coming days.
Further details will be released as the investigation continues.
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