Two bodies recovered from Willamette River after police chase

Authorities say a car fled officers and drove into the water in downtown Portland.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 11:03pm by Ben Kaplan

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An extreme close-up of a small, metallic object recovered from the Willamette River, its surface reflecting the harsh light of the camera flash, conveying a sense of the gritty investigation into this tragic incident.A somber reminder of the tragic consequences that can result from high-speed police pursuits in urban areas.Portland Today

Divers recovered the bodies of two people from the Willamette River in downtown Portland early Monday morning after a car fleeing from police drove into the water around 2 a.m., according to authorities.

Why it matters

Police chases can pose significant risks to public safety, and this incident highlights the need for careful policies and training around when to pursue fleeing vehicles, especially in urban areas near bodies of water.

The details

Police have not yet released the identities of the two individuals found deceased in the Willamette River. Authorities say the car was being pursued by officers for reasons that are still under investigation.

  • The incident occurred around 2 a.m. on Monday, April 6, 2026.
  • Divers recovered the two bodies from the river later that morning.

The players

Portland Police Department

The local law enforcement agency investigating the incident.

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What’s next

Police are continuing to investigate the circumstances that led to the car fleeing and driving into the Willamette River.

The takeaway

This tragic incident underscores the need for police departments to have clear protocols around vehicle pursuits to minimize risks to the public, and to provide comprehensive training to officers on when to initiate and when to terminate a chase.