DJ Buckner Injured in Portland Car Accident
17-year-old survives after fleeing vehicle plunges into Willamette River
DJ Buckner, 17, of Beavercreek, was injured in a fatal crash after a vehicle plunged into the Willamette River in downtown Portland on April 6, according to the Portland Police Bureau.
The white Toyota Corolla, driven by a 19-year-old, sped the wrong way down Southwest Harvey Milk Street before crossing Southwest Naito Parkway. The sedan crashed through a barrier at Tom McCall Waterfront Park and sank into the water.
Buckner awoke at the bottom of the river and swam to the surface, surviving the wreck. Three other occupants, including the driver, died in the crash.
Police said the driver was fleeing from officers, running red lights and driving recklessly before the collision. The Multnomah County Sheriff's Office dive team recovered the final victim's body on Sunday.
The Portland Police Bureau continues to investigate the crash and work on recovering the submerged vehicle.
How common are fatal crashes in Multnomah County?
Oregon's traffic safety record has faced significant challenges, with state data showing concerns regarding severe collisions.
In high-speed accidents such as this, crash reconstruction investigators analyze vehicle telemetry and environmental factors to understand the sequence of events. National Legal Analyst Candice Bond, Managing Partner at Bond Legal, noted that "When I hear about high-speed collisions, I think about the heavy grief those families carry. A car's black box captures the five seconds before impact, showing if there wasn't even a tap on the brakes."
What are the comparative risks of wrong-way driving?
Wrong-way driving and fleeing law enforcement drastically increase the likelihood of a fatal outcome. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, speeding and reckless driving remain primary factors in fatal crashes nationwide.
Investigators will review police pursuit protocols, intersection camera footage, and the barrier design at Tom McCall Waterfront Park. Understanding these elements helps authorities determine how the vehicle bypassed safety measures before entering the Willamette River.
Oregon personal injury and wrongful death claims
Under Oregon law, injured victims have up to two years to file a personal injury claim (ORS § 12.110). For the families of deceased individuals, a wrongful death action may be filed within three years under ORS § 30.020. Oregon applies modified comparative fault (51% bar).
Recoverable damages for personal injury include medical expenses, while wrongful death claims may cover funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and the decedent's pre-death pain and suffering.