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Portland police say the Medical Examiner identified two of the people who died after a vehicle went into the Willamette River on April 6, 2026. The investigation remains open, and the vehicle recovery process is still being arranged.
Photo: Portland Police Bureau
This update summarizes the reported event and explains the practical legal context Oregon readers may want to understand. It is general information, not case-specific legal advice.
Published April 9, 2026
Portland police say the Medical Examiner has identified two people who died after a vehicle crashed into the Willamette River on April 6, 2026. The bureau identified them as Roberto C. Garcia-Chavez, 19, and Trent Badillo, 17, both of Beavercreek in Clackamas County. Their families have been notified. (portland.gov (opens in a new tab))
Police said a third occupant, a 17-year-old male who survived the crash and was rescued from the river, is not being identified. A fourth occupant, believed to be a 20-year-old male, has not been located and is presumed dead. The Medical Examiner later identified that person as Jakob Esperum, 20, of Beavercreek. (portland.gov (opens in a new tab))
According to the Portland Police Bureau, a Central Precinct officer saw the vehicle traveling the wrong way at a high rate of speed and running red lights in downtown Portland just after 2 a.m. on April 6. The officer tried to stop the car, but it kept going east on Southwest Harvey Milk Street, crossed Southwest Naito Parkway, entered Waterfront Park, and went into the river. Investigators believe Garcia-Chavez was the driver of the white 1996 Toyota Corolla. (portland.gov (opens in a new tab))
Police said one person was rescued from the river with non-life-threatening injuries. Portland Fire & Rescue, the U.S. Coast Guard, and the Multnomah County Sheriff's Office all responded, and a dive team recovered the remains of two people at the scene. (portland.gov (opens in a new tab))
The Traffic Division is still working to recover the vehicle. Police said they are seeking a contractor with the right expertise and equipment, and that the recovery will likely be water-based. The investigation remains active. Families dealing with a deadly crash often need copies of police reports, medical examiner records, and insurance documents early in the process. (portland.gov (opens in a new tab))
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