Deceased driver is Portland resident Antonio Amaro-Lopez, who was a Vancouver restaurant owner
The Portland Police Major Crash Team investigators are confirming that the identity of the driver recovered from the Columbia River is Antonio Amaro-Lopez, 57, of Portland. His family has been notified.
The vehicle he was in was confirmed by license plate to be a 2006 Subaru Tribeca registered to Amaro-Lopez’s family. Plans are underway to recover the vehicle from the water.
On Wednesday (Feb. 17), PPB Traffic Investigators were notified that the Multnomah County Dive Team located a vehicle in the Columbia River. A body was recovered from the vehicle. The Medical Examiner confirmed the identity of the deceased person was Amaro-Lopez.
On Sunday (Feb. 14), Portland Police began an investigation regarding a single vehicle crash on the Glenn Jackson Bridge, I-205 southbound, in which the vehicle went off the bridge, over the Columbia River. Portland Police Major Crash Team investigators believe weather related road conditions were a factor in the crash.
On Monday and Tuesday, the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office River Patrol Unit conducted sonar scans on the Columbia River under the Glenn Jackson Bridge. Marine Deputies conducted this work over many hours.
According to reports from his family, Amaro-Lopez was returning home Sunday from working at the family’s Hazel Dell restaurant, Amaro’s Table. Based on physical evidence and witness statements, it appears Amaro-Lopez’s vehicle was travelling south on the freeway, lost control and went over the guardrail between the Oregon-Washington border and Government Island. The Columbia River is below that portion of the bridge.
A Gofundme page has been established to assist Amaro-Lopez’s family.
The Portland Police Bureau is grateful to all who assisted with the response to this incident, especially the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office for their extensive search efforts.
The cause of the crash is still under investigation. Anyone with information about this crash is asked to contact Portland Police Officer Garrett Dow Garrett.Dow@portlandoregon.gov or (503) 823-5070.
Information provided by the Portland Police Bureau.
