Tragic Loss: Community Grieves for Kiley Jones Following Bus Accident
NAMPA, Idaho — The community is mourning the loss of Kiley Nevaeh Jones, a vibrant 19-year-old college student and aspiring softball player who tragically died in a bus accident on Friday evening. Kiley and her coach, who was driving the bus, lost their lives when their vehicle was struck by another car, driven by 32-year-old Johnathan James Dowdy, who is suspected of impaired driving. The Umpqua Community College softball team was returning home from a victorious match in Coos Bay.
Kiley’s parents, Nikki and Scott Mahoney, expressed the heartache of losing their daughter. "She was a very bright light to anyone who came in contact with her," Scott shared, reflecting on Kiley’s impact on those around her. A passionate athlete, Kiley first excelled in soccer before taking on softball during her senior year at Columbia High School. Her commitment was evident as she quickly adapted to the new sport when her team needed a pitcher.
Kiley pursued her love for softball by attending Umpqua Community College with dreams of one day serving in the Army as a military police officer and eventually becoming a canine police officer. Tragically, those dreams were shattered. In the wake of their loss, her parents are advocating for driving safety to prevent similar tragedies. "Keep anybody else, husbands, wives, daughters, grandparents from having this tragedy happen to them," Scott urged.
Despite their sorrow, Kiley’s parents find solace in their faith and the love she shared with others. "She really wanted other people to feel the love of Jesus," Nikki said, emphasizing Kiley’s role as a guiding light to many. As the community comes together in grief, her memory will undoubtedly inspire change and raise awareness about road safety.
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