Thursday,  December 12 , 2024

Linkedin Pinterest
News / Clark County News

Vancouver woman killed in boating accident on Willamette River

By Griffin Reilly, Columbian staff writer
Published: June 25, 2024, 3:33pm

A Vancouver woman was killed Saturday after falling from a boat into the Willamette River in Portland and being struck by a second boat, according to an online fundraiser.

The Multnomah County, Ore., Sheriff’s Office identified the woman as 24-year-old Kaileigh Amor Seidel.

Seidel’s loved ones launched a GoFundMe, which had raised more than $28,000 as of Tuesday afternoon, to help with funeral expenses.

“Her amazing energy and beautiful smile always made this world a better place,” the GoFundMe states. “This tragedy has left so many of us heartbroken and confused as to why such a young, beautiful life can be cut so short. Kaileigh was a light for so many.”

Deputies and Portland Fire & Rescue firefighters responded just after 8 p.m. to the Willamette River near the Hawthorne Bridge for a report that someone was unconscious in the water, sheriff’s office spokesman Deputy John Plock said in an email Tuesday.

“The caller reported that they had witnessed a woman falling off a boat and was struck by another boat,” he said.

Seidel was taken to OHSU Hospital, where she was pronounced dead.

Plock said the circumstances surrounding the incident are under investigation.

Support local journalism

Your tax-deductible donation to The Columbian’s Community Funded Journalism program will contribute to better local reporting on key issues, including homelessness, housing, transportation and the environment. Reporters will focus on narrative, investigative and data-driven storytelling.

Local journalism needs your help. It’s an essential part of a healthy community and a healthy democracy.

Community Funded Journalism logo
Loading...
Columbian staff writer