MULTNOMAH COUNTY, Ore. – The Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a deadly Fourth of July weekend boating crash on the Willamette River.

This investigation began at 11:24 p.m. on Saturday, July 4, 2026, when the Bureau of Emergency Communications received a 911 call reporting a boat had run ashore in the 14900 block of Northwest Gillihan Road on Sauvie Island.

The Sauvie Island Fire Department, American Medical Response, and the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office responded.

When crews arrived, they found one woman dead. Paramedics took four other people to the hospital, including the boat’s operator. None of the four people have life-threatening injuries.

All occupants are believed to be adults.

Based on the preliminary investigation, the boat – described as a 33-foot cabin cruiser – hit a portion of an aluminum walkway that extended to a dock, anchored by several large vertical pilings.

The cause of the crash remains under investigation. At this point, it is too early to determine if speed, impairment, or lighting conditions were contributing factors.

Because next-of-kin notifications have not been completed, the identity of the person killed is being withheld and no additional information about the case can be released at this time.

Detectives from the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office Investigations Unit responded and are coordinating with the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office.

The information contained in this news release is based on a preliminary review of the details available to the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office. As the investigation progresses, information may change.  

No photos from the scene are available for release at this time.

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