Roberto C. Garcia-Chavez dies in fatal Portland, Oregon river crash
Fatal Portland, Oregon river crash death of Roberto C. Garcia-Chavez and Trent Badillo – Obituary
Roberto C. Garcia-Chavez, 19, has been identified as one of two teenagers who died after a vehicle went into the Willamette River in downtown Portland. Trent Badillo, 17, was also confirmed dead in the same incident.
Authorities with the Multnomah County Medical Examiner’s Office said both teens were from Beavercreek, and their families have been notified of their deaths.
Investigators believe Garcia-Chavez was driving a 1996 Toyota Corolla when the crash occurred shortly after 2 a.m. on Monday. Police reported that the vehicle was seen traveling at high speed the wrong way through downtown streets and running traffic signals before officers attempted a stop.
Officials said the driver did not pull over and continued through several downtown areas, eventually entering Waterfront Park and going into the Willamette River. Emergency crews later recovered two bodies from the water during dive operations.
A third teenager, a 17-year-old boy, survived the crash and was rescued with injuries that were not considered life-threatening. A fourth occupant, believed to be a 20-year-old man, has not been located and is presumed dead, though his identity has not yet been released.
Authorities say recovery efforts and a full investigation are ongoing, including plans to remove the submerged vehicle as part of the continuing search and evidence recovery process.