Teen Survives After Car Plunges into River During Fleeing Police Chase

A 17-year-old boy has recounted a terrifying experience after waking up trapped inside a car that plunged 40 feet into the Willamette River in Portland, Oregon. DJ Buckner, who survived the crash, described how he was unconscious during the collision and only regained awareness when water began entering the submerged vehicle. His mother, Melissa Buckner, told *The Oregonian* that DJ believed he hit his head in the crash and was knocked out until he inhaled water, jolting him awake. "He just remembers he needed to grab his seatbelt and find the buckle," she said. "He said he was swimming forever."

The incident occurred around 2 a.m. Monday when 19-year-old Roberto Garcia-Chavez, driving a white 1996 Toyota Corolla, saw a police car and "took off" during a traffic stop, according to the Portland Traffic Investigations Unit. The car, carrying DJ and two others, tore through a park before crashing through fencing above the river. The vehicle sank into the murky waters below, leaving three people dead and DJ as the sole survivor. By Thursday, the Portland Medical Examiner had identified Garcia-Chavez and 17-year-old Trent Badillo as two of the victims. The third victim, believed to be a 20-year-old man, remains unidentified.

Brian Hughes, assistant chief of the Portland Police Bureau, said the officer involved in the traffic stop did not pursue the fleeing vehicle. He only discovered the crash after noticing a missing section of fencing in the park. When Hughes spotted DJ treading water, he immediately called for the US Coast Guard and Portland Fire and Rescue. DJ was pulled from the river and taken to the hospital with injuries including a fractured nose, black eyes, and bruising. First responders, however, were unable to save the other three occupants of the car.

Melissa Buckner described the emotional toll on her son. "Physically, he's hurting. He's not feeling good," she said. "Emotionally, it's starting to hit him." She recounted receiving a phone call at 3:30 a.m. informing her that DJ was in the hospital. "I didn't know that they had crashed," she said. "I didn't know anything other than my son was in the hospital and I needed to get there."

The crash has sparked questions about the decision to flee from police. Garcia-Chavez's sister, Yanett Garcia-Chavez, told KOIN that her brother was a "good kid" who had been active in JROTC and had planned to join the military. She said she did not know why he chose to flee. Portland police said the Corolla was speeding in the wrong direction, running red lights, and veering through Tom McCall Waterfront Park before plunging into the river. During the chase, DJ reportedly shouted, "Slow down, slow down, you're going too fast!"

Divers from the Multnomah County Sheriff's Office recovered the bodies of Garcia-Chavez and Badillo on Monday. The search for the third victim, presumed dead, continues. The incident has raised concerns about the risks of high-speed police chases and the need for improved emergency response protocols in areas near waterways. As the community grapples with the tragedy, DJ's story serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of swift action in crisis situations.

The crash has also drawn attention to the lack of immediate pursuit by the officer involved. While police protocols typically involve chasing fleeing vehicles, this case highlights the unpredictability of such encounters and the challenges faced by first responders in recovering victims from submerged vehicles. With the Willamette River's depth and strong currents, the odds of survival for those trapped inside the car were slim. The ongoing search for the third victim underscores the urgency of these efforts and the need for continued public awareness about the dangers of reckless driving.

DJ's account of his escape—swimming through freezing water while his friends drowned—has left a lasting impact on those who know him. His mother said he is beginning to process the trauma, though the emotional scars will take time to heal. As investigators work to determine the full circumstances of the crash, the tragedy serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of evading law enforcement and the importance of prioritizing safety over speed.

Every one of them, they're very, very good boys, just made a stupid mistake," DJ's mother told *The Oregonian*, her voice trembling as she spoke to reporters outside the family home. The words hang heavy in the air, a stark contrast to the grief etched on her face. Days after the incident that shattered their lives, she struggles to reconcile the image of her son with the actions that led to his death. "There's nothing we can do now," said Yanett, DJ's sister, her eyes red from hours of crying. "We can't go back in time. I can't do anything to bring my brother back." Her words echo through the quiet neighborhood, where neighbors now whisper about the tragedy that unfolded just blocks away.

What could have been a night of laughter and music turned into a nightmare in seconds. The car, filled with young friends who had no intention of causing harm, became a symbol of a single, irreversible choice. "They didn't mean to do this," Yanett said, her hands clasped tightly. "They were just kids, trying to have fun." But the moment they made their decision, everything changed. The crash that followed left one boy dead and others fighting for their lives in the hospital.

DJ's mother refuses to assign blame, even as questions swirl about what led to the accident. "I don't know why they did it," she said, her voice cracking. "But I know they loved each other. They were just trying to be good kids." Her words are a plea for understanding, not forgiveness. The community, once tight-knit and full of life, now faces a reckoning. What happens when the best intentions lead to the worst outcomes? How do you hold on to hope when the past is unchangeable?

Local officials have called for a public meeting to discuss the incident, but for the family, the focus remains on healing. "We're not looking for answers from anyone," Yanett said. "We just want to remember DJ the way he was—full of life, full of dreams." Her brother's friends, many still in the hospital, have been described by neighbors as "typical teenagers" who never imagined their lives would take such a dark turn.

The tragedy has sparked a debate about youth, responsibility, and the thin line between recklessness and carelessness. "It's not just about what happened," said a local pastor, who has visited the family multiple times. "It's about how we move forward. How do we prevent this from happening again?" The questions are urgent, but the answers remain elusive. For now, the family clings to the memories of a brother and son who will never be forgotten.

As the investigation continues, one thing is clear: the pain of losing a loved one is universal. It doesn't matter how old you are, how smart you are, or how many good intentions you have. A single mistake can change everything. And for DJ's family, that mistake has become a permanent part of their lives. "We just want people to know," DJ's mother said, her voice steady despite the tears. "This could happen to anyone. This could be your child.