Teen’s Harrowing Escape from Fatal Willamette River Crash Recounted by Mother
A tragic incident unfolded in downtown Portland when a sedan carrying four young men plunged into the Willamette River early Monday morning. Only 17-year-old DJ Buckner survived the harrowing crash, which occurred while fleeing from police.
Details of the Fatal Willamette River Crash
On a Sunday night, DJ Buckner and three friends, all from the Oregon City area, were enjoying Lime scooters. The group was heading home around 2 a.m. Monday when they encountered a police car. The driver, identified as 19-year-old Roberto Garcia-Chavez, accelerated, leading to the crash.
Sequence of Events
- Police attempted to stop a speeding car for traffic violations.
- The driver fled down Southwest Harvey Milk Street and onto Southwest Naito Parkway.
- The vehicle veered into Tom McCall Waterfront Park, heading toward the river.
- The car crashed through a barrier, dropping several feet into the water.
DJ was seated in the back and reportedly lost consciousness after hitting his head on the front seat. He awakened submerged, inhaling water. “He just remembers he needed to grab his seatbelt and find the buckle,” his mother, Melissa Buckner, recounted.
Search and Recovery Efforts
Emergency responders quickly mobilized. An officer arrived at the scene and found DJ Buckner treading water, where he alerted them that three others were still submerged. The local authorities, including the U.S. Coast Guard and Portland Fire & Rescue, were called for assistance.
By mid-afternoon Monday, divers recovered the bodies of Garcia-Chavez and 17-year-old Trent Badillo. The search for a third occupant, a 20-year-old man, continues, with authorities presuming he has also succumbed.
Impact on Survivors and Families
Melissa Buckner received alarming news around 3:30 a.m. stating her son was alive but hospitalized. DJ sustained several injuries, including a fractured nose and extensive bruises. His emotional state is also concerning, as he grapples with survivor’s guilt and the loss of his friends.
“I’m just so, so grateful that he made it out,” said Melissa Buckner, expressing deep sorrow over the fate of the other boys. “I considered them my boys,” she added, highlighting the close bonds formed among the friends. The situation serves as a painful reminder of the consequences of reckless behavior on the roads.
Conclusion
The tragic crash that sent a vehicle into the Willamette River has profoundly affected multiple families. As DJ Buckner continues his recovery, the community reflects on the heartbreaking loss of young lives and the ongoing search for answers.
