Oregon Woman Dies After Car Plunges into Columbia River

The Acura went airborne, struck a metal guardrail and then continued down a rock embankment into the Columbia River.

Photo: Oregon State Police

(THE DALLES, Ore. ) - A woman from The Dalles died Saturday afternoon when she lost control of her car westbound on Interstate 84 about one mile east of Corbett and struck a guardrail before going into the Columbia River.

The victim and vehicle were recovered with the help of divers from Multnomah County Sheriff's Office and Portland Fire Bureau.

At approximately 2:00 PM, a 2005 Acura TL four door driven by 51-year-old Kanak V. Patel, from The Dalles, was westbound on Interstate 84 near milepost 23.

According to witnesses, the car was estimated to be traveling near 80 mph in the left lane.

After passing two cars the Acura was seen switching to the right lane when it lost control, traveling onto the right shoulder and into a gravel median at the west on ramp from a viewpoint.

The Acura went airborne, struck a metal guardrail and then continued down a rock embankment into the Columbia River.

By the time passing motorists and nearby fishermen were able to get to the river, the Acura disappeared under water.

Oregon State Police troopers, Multnomah County sheriff deputies, and Corbett Fire Department personnel initially responded to the scene.

Boats from MCSO and Port of Portland Airport, along with the Multnomah County Medical Examiner, MCSO and Portland Fire Bureau dive teams also responded to assist with recovery.

Divers reported the car was on its top in about 10 - 12 feet of water.

An interagency crash investigation team comprised of OSP, MCSO and Gresham Police Department responded to reconstruct the crash scene and assist with the investigation.

Oregon State Police troopers from the Portland Area Command office are continuing the investigation.

The cause of death is pending further examination by the medical examiner. Roadway conditions were dry.

Water temperature was estimated in the low 40 degree range.

ODOT assisted with traffic control. The right westbound lane was closed until about 6:15 PM.