A deadly crash in downtown Portland has left two teenagers dead after a car plunged into the Willamette River in the early hours of Monday. The victims have been identified as 19-year-old Roberto C. Garcia-Chavez and 17-year-old Trent Badillo, both from Beavercreek in Clackamas County.
The Multnomah County Medical Examiner confirmed their identities after notifying their families. A third passenger, a 17-year-old boy, survived the crash and was pulled from the water with injuries that are not considered life-threatening.
Another occupant, believed to be a 20-year-old man, is still missing. Authorities say he has not been found and is presumed dead, though his identity has not yet been officially released.
Investigators say Garcia-Chavez was driving a white 1996 Toyota Corolla shortly after 2 a.m. when the events unfolded in downtown Portland. A police officer reportedly saw the car traveling the wrong way and running red lights.
When the officer attempted a traffic stop, the vehicle did not pull over. Instead, it sped east along Southwest Harvey Milk Street. The officer did not engage in a pursuit but continued to observe from a distance.
The car then crossed Southwest Naito Parkway, entered Waterfront Park, and went straight into the Willamette River. Emergency response teams arrived shortly after and began rescue operations in difficult conditions.
Divers from the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office later recovered the bodies of Garcia-Chavez and Badillo from about 35 feet of water with near-zero visibility. Efforts to recover the vehicle are still being planned as officials work to secure the right equipment.
Authorities have confirmed the investigation remains active as they continue to piece together the final moments before the crash. Community members in Portland and Beavercreek are now grappling with the sudden loss and the unanswered questions surrounding the incident.
