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Jakob Esperum

Age : 20

Gender : Male

Race : White

Date : 04/06/2026

Location : Willamette River near Southwest Moody Avenue

City : Portland

County : Multnomah

State : Oregon

Agency : Portland Police Bureau

Officer(s) :Not Disclosed

Cause of Death : Vehicle

Event : Passenger killed by police chase crash

OPEN RECORDS SUMMARY :

On 04/06/2026, officers with the Portland Police Bureau attempted to stop a vehicle reported driving the wrong way in downtown Portland. Police said the vehicle continued driving and officers escalated a chase.

According to investigators, the vehicle crashed into the Willamette River near Southwest Moody Avenue during the pursuit. Rescue divers searched the river for several days after authorities believed one occupant remained missing. On 04/14/2026, Portland police confirmed the third victim recovered from the river was Jakob Esperum, 20, of Beavercreek.

Police stated three people died following the crash into the river and one teenage occupant survived. Authorities continued to investigate the pursuit and crash circumstances.

SOURCE LINKS :

https://www.portland.gov/police/news/2026/4/6/update-3-third-person-confirmed-deceased-crash-willamette-river-identified
https://www.kptv.com/2026/04/14/third-person-identified-deadly-willamette-river-crash/
https://www.koin.com/news/portland/third-victim-identified-after-portland-police-pursuit-ended-in-willamette-river-crash/
https://www.kgw.com/article/news/local/third-victim-identified-portland-police-pursuit-willamette-river/283-7db3d1d5-3c56-4e7d-b18e-7e89a6d0d4c1/