Family Honors 19-Year-Old Driver Killed in Willamette River Crash
In a tragic incident on Monday, 19-year-old Roberto Garcia-Chavez lost his life, along with two friends, when his vehicle crashed into the Willamette River. The Oregon City resident was driving to Portland with friends Trent Badillo and a still-unidentified 20-year-old man, looking to enjoy Lime scooters downtown.
Authorities state that the group was involved in reckless driving shortly before the crash. Around 2 a.m., police noticed Garcia-Chavez’s white Toyota Corolla speeding the wrong way and failing to stop at traffic lights. When officers attempted to pull him over, he fled the scene, ultimately leading to the fatal accident.
Details of the Incident
Police have confirmed that three individuals—ages 17, 19, and 20—died when the car plunged into the river. As of now, flowers have been placed at Tom McCall Waterfront Park in memory of the victims. Becker survived the crash and is currently hospitalized, while authorities continue searching for the body of the third passenger.
Remembrances and Family Impact
Yanett Garcia-Chavez, Roberto’s sister, expressed her deep sorrow over the loss. “He was a person before he was just the driver,” she remarked. Yanett urged the public to recognize his complexity beyond the night’s events, stating he was a loving brother and a dedicated individual.
Growing up in Southeast Portland, Roberto had a passion for movies, cars, and games. He participated in chess tournaments and was an active member of Junior ROTC. Graduating from Oregon City High School last year, he had been working in his father’s landscaping business.
| Name | Age | Relationship | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Roberto Garcia-Chavez | 19 | Sole Driver | Deceased |
| Trent Badillo | 17 | Friend | Deceased |
| DJ Buckner | 17 | Friend | Survived |
| Unknown Male | 20 | Friend | Body Missing |
Roberto’s death is not the first tragedy for the family. Yanett disclosed that their mother had previously lost her first son and father in a car accident in 1994. This sorrowful event adds another layer of heartache to an already grief-stricken family.
In the wake of this incident, family and friends remember Roberto Garcia-Chavez not just for the circumstances of his passing but for the joyful moments they shared. His legacy as a loving brother and a loyal friend will endure in the hearts of those who knew him.
