Authorities have identified two individuals who died after a vehicle plunged into the Willamette River early Monday morning, and officials say a fourth person remains missing and is presumed dead.
The Multnomah County Medical Examiner confirmed the victims as Roberto C. Garcia-Chavez, 19, and Trent Badillo, 17, both from Beavercreek in Clackamas County. Their families have been notified.
A third passenger, a 17-year-old boy, survived the crash and rescuers pulled him from the river. Authorities have not identified him. A fourth occupant, believed to be a 20-year-old man, has not been located and is presumed dead. Officials have not released his name.
Investigators with Portland police believe Garcia-Chavez was behind the wheel of the vehicle, a white 1996 Toyota Corolla.
The crash occurred shortly after 2 a.m. Monday when an officer spotted a car speeding the wrong way and running red lights in downtown Portland. The officer attempted a traffic stop, but the vehicle sped off eastbound on Southwest Harvey Milk Street.
Police said the officer did not pursue the car but watched as it crossed Southwest Naito Parkway, entered Waterfront Park, and drove into the river.
First responders pulled the 17-year-old boy from the water and reported he suffered non-life-threatening injuries. Later that same day, search teams recovered the bodies of two victims. Divers from the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office searched the area in 35 feet of water with “zero visibility,” according to a police spokesperson.
Police said they intend to remove the car from the river, but officials have not set a timeline as they work to secure a contractor with the necessary equipment.
Police added that the investigation remains ongoing.
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