Jakob Esperum killed in Portland car accident, police say
20-year-old passenger dies after fleeing vehicle plunges into the Willamette River
Jakob Esperum, 20, of Beavercreek, was killed in a car accident when the vehicle he was riding in plunged into the Willamette River in downtown Portland on April 6, according to the Portland Police Bureau.
The white Toyota Corolla fled from an attempted traffic stop, sped down Southwest Harvey Milk Street, crossed Southwest Naito Parkway, and crashed through a barrier at Tom McCall Waterfront Park before entering the water. Police said the driver had been speeding the wrong way on one-way streets and running red lights before the crash.
Esperum was one of four young men in the vehicle heading home around 2 a.m. after riding electric scooters downtown. A 17-year-old passenger survived by swimming to the surface, while the 19-year-old driver and another 17-year-old passenger also died in the crash.
Multnomah County Sheriff's Office divers recovered Esperum's body on Sunday near the Burnside Bridge. The medical examiner officially identified him on Tuesday.
Authorities continue to investigate the fatal crash. Crews are still working to recover the submerged sedan from the bottom of the river.
Families who lose loved ones in high-speed crashes often face a complex search for answers. National Legal Analyst Candice Bond, Managing Partner at Bond Legal, noted that "Nobody thinks about the physics of a crash until it's much too late to slow down."
When a driver's reckless actions result in a fatal crash, the families of deceased passengers are often left navigating sudden financial burdens. While police continue their investigation into the events leading up to the Willamette River crash, independent investigations frequently help uncover the full scope of liability.
In crashes involving fleeing vehicles, investigators carefully review police reports, witness statements, and physical evidence at the scene. Establishing the sequence of events is critical for families seeking accountability through the at-fault driver's insurance policy.
Under ORS § 30.020, surviving family members may file a wrongful death action. Oregon applies modified comparative fault (51% bar). The statute of limitations is 3 years.
Recoverable damages may include loss of financial support, loss of companionship, funeral expenses, and the decedent's pre-death pain and suffering.
National Legal Analyst Bond of Bond Legal noted that "I've seen how speed differences—not just high speed—are the biggest predictor of how bad a crash will be."