UPDATE: Two Deceased After Vehicle Crashes into River, Additional Person Presumed Deceased

The Portland Police Bureau is releasing additional information about a vehicle crash into the Willamette River that resulted in the death of two people and likely a third.

A little after 2:00 a.m. on the morning of Monday, April 6, 2026, a Central Precinct officer observed a vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed in the wrong direction and running red lights in Downtown Portland. In the area of Southwest 3rd Avenue and Harvey Milk Street, the officer activated his overhead lights in an attempt to initiate a traffic stop, but the vehicle fled eastbound on Southwest Harvey Milk Street. The officer did not pursue the vehicle, but he witnessed it cross Southwest Naito Parkway, into Waterfront Park, and ultimately into the river.

Responding officers located one individual in the river, and that person, who suffered non-life-threatening injuries, was rescued by Portland Fire & Rescue. PPB is grateful for the quick and coordinated response from PF&R and the U.S. Coast Guard, as well as the Multnomah County Sheriff's Office. MCSO's Dive Team responded to the scene to search the river. The team recovered the remains of two people. One person is unaccounted for and presumed deceased.

"This is a heartbreaking incident that has resulted in a tragic loss of life," Assistant Chief Brian Hughes said. "Our thoughts are with the families and loved ones of those affected as we continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding this event."

Additional information will be released when appropriate.

###PPB###

***Original Message Below***

Traffic #Alert: Vehicle Crashed into the Willamette River - Traffic Alert

On Monday, April 6, 2026, at 2:09 a.m., Portland Police officers from Central Precinct witnessed a vehicle driving the wrong way at a high rate of speed on downtown Portland streets. When officers activated their overhead lights in an attempt to initiate a traffic stop, the vehicle accelerated away eastbound on Southwest Harvey Milk Street. The vehicle continued through Southwest Naito Parkway and into Waterfront Park, before crashing into the Willamette River. One person has been transported to an area hospital with unknown injuries.

The Portland Police Traffic Division Major Crash Team is responding to the scene to investigate, as well as the Multnomah County Sheriff's Office and the Oregon Coast Guard. During the investigation, Southwest Naito Parkway and Waterfront Park are closed between Southwest Oak Street and Southwest Washington Street.

If anyone has information about this crash and has not already spoken to police, please e-mail [email protected] attn: TIU and reference case number 26-98006.

The PIO is not responding to the scene. Additional information will be released when appropriate.

###PPB###