PORTLAND, OR – The family of a young Oregon woman who tragically died in a boating incident while tubing with friends is attributing her sudden death to reckless driving on the Willamette River. Kaileigh Seidel, 24, passed away on June 22 after being involved in what her family describes as a preventable accident.
A GoFundMe page set up to cover Seidel’s funeral expenses reveals that she succumbed to her injuries at a local hospital. The page honors her memory, noting her “amazing energy and beautiful smile” and expressing the heartbreak felt by those who knew her.
According to her family, Seidel was enjoying a day on the river when the incident occurred. She was riding an inner tube attached to a boat when the driver allegedly began making erratic maneuvers. Despite her pleas for the driver to slow down, the boat continued to zig-zag across the water.
Witnesses reported that Seidel was flung into the side of another boat, leading to her fatal injuries. Her sister, Aliyah Seidel, described the loss as a significant void in their lives, highlighting Kaileigh’s spontaneous and fun-loving nature.
Kaileigh’s aunt, Rachelle Hunsperger, voiced her frustration and sorrow, insisting that the incident was not a simple accident. She emphasized that Kaileigh had no control over the situation and was a victim of the driver’s reckless behavior.
The Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that a 911 call was made reporting the collision. Despite being rushed to the hospital, Seidel was pronounced dead shortly after her arrival. The Sheriff’s Office River Patrol unit is currently investigating the circumstances surrounding her death.
As the investigation continues, Seidel’s family hopes for accountability and justice, believing that the tragedy could have been avoided.