Two Teens Killed After Car Plunges Into Willamette River in Downtown Portland

Authorities identify victims as Roberto C. Garcia-Chavez, 19, and Trent Badillo, 17, from Beavercreek, Clackamas County.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 3:54pm by Ben Kaplan

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An extreme close-up photograph of a shattered car sensor lens reflecting a faint red light, conceptually representing the tragic consequences of reckless driving.The aftermath of a fatal car crash exposes the fragility of life and the need for greater traffic safety measures in urban areas.Portland Today

Two teenagers have died after a car crashed through a barricade and plunged into the Willamette River in downtown Portland early Monday morning. Police have identified the victims as Roberto C. Garcia-Chavez, 19, and Trent Badillo, 17, both from Beavercreek, Clackamas County. A third teen survived the crash with minor injuries, while a fourth person is presumed dead and still missing.

Why it matters

This tragic incident highlights the dangers of reckless driving and the need for greater traffic safety measures, especially in high-traffic urban areas. It also raises concerns about teen driving behavior and the importance of responsible decision-making behind the wheel.

The details

According to police, officers attempted to pull over the speeding white 1996 Toyota Corolla, which was running red lights and traveling the wrong way, just after 2 a.m. on Monday. The driver, identified as Garcia-Chavez, fled and accelerated eastbound on Southwest Harvey Milk Street, crashing through a barricade and plunging into the Willamette River. The lone survivor, a 17-year-old boy, managed to escape the sinking car, while the fourth occupant, a 20-year-old, is still missing and presumed dead.

  • The incident occurred just after 2 a.m. on Monday, April 8, 2026.
  • Police identified the victims on Thursday, April 11, 2026.

The players

Roberto C. Garcia-Chavez

A 19-year-old from Beavercreek, Clackamas County, who was the driver of the car that crashed into the Willamette River.

Trent Badillo

A 17-year-old from Beavercreek, Clackamas County, who was a passenger in the car that crashed into the Willamette River.

17-year-old boy

The lone survivor of the crash, who escaped the sinking car with minor injuries.

20-year-old

The fourth occupant of the car, who is still missing and presumed dead.

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What they’re saying

“It's terrible to hear what happened. I feel bad for the three people that were in the car with the person that was driving that made the decision to do what they did.”

— Fred Tatch, Resident

“I have a 14 year old, and I worry about the fact of him getting in a car with people and decisions being made, so I think about my kids whenever I hear about other kids losing their lives.”

— Casey Henderling, Resident

What’s next

Investigators plan to pull the car from the Willamette River, but are working to find a contractor with the correct equipment to do so. It could be some time before the car is actually removed due to 'planning and logistics'.

The takeaway

This tragic incident serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of safe and responsible driving, especially among young people. It highlights the need for greater education, enforcement, and infrastructure to prevent such devastating crashes in the future.