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St. Johns — A 48-year-old Portland man died early Sunday after driving his vehicle into the Columbia River.
According to a Portland Police Bureau news release, officers responded to the 7000 block of North Marine Drive at 7:32 a.m. Sunday after a 911 call from someone passing by who saw the tire marks in the grass and headlights in the water.
The driver has been identified as Eddie Robert Larson of Portland.
According to a police news release, it was determined Mr. Larson was on his way to work from home when his vehicle left the roadway and veered down the hill, across the bike path, and off the embankment into the Columbia River.
North Precinct officers went to Mr. Larson’s home to confirm if anyone else could have been in the car. Officers contacted his wife and confirmed he was alone. His wife was taken to the hospital by patrol officers.
There are no known witnesses to the crash itself. Fire crews removed Mr. Larson from the car and confirmed no one else was in the car. Mr. Larson was transported to an area hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
The Major Crash Team (MCT) was consulted and responded to investigate. Details of the reason for the crash are still being investigated, according to police. This is the 7th MCT activation and 4th National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reportable fatal for 2021 in the City of Portland.
Nathan is an award-winning freelance content marketing producer (words, video, audio, strategy). He also is an award-winning newspaper reporter. He has an MBA and a BA in Editorial Journalism. He is a past director of SEMpdx’s digital marketing conference, and past director on the Society of Professional Journalists’ executive committee. He has two great kids, likes to sail, ride his road bike, and make beer.
