Tragic Jet‑Ski Accident Claims Teen’s Life Near Gladstone Park

It was supposed to be a carefree Saturday afternoon on the Willamette River, the kind of day when friends laugh, splash water, and the sun glints off the surface. Instead, the morning took a heartbreaking turn near Gladstone Park when a 16‑year‑old boy fell from a jet‑ski and was pulled under, never to surface again.

According to the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office, the teen—identified only by his first name to protect his family—was riding a personal watercraft with a small group of friends around 10:30 a.m. Witnesses say the jet‑ski suddenly lurched, throwing the boy off its back. He disappeared beneath the waves within seconds.

“We heard a splash and then nothing,” recalled one of the friends, voice shaking. “We all tried to grab him, but the current was strong and it was too late.” Emergency responders arrived within minutes, deploying rescue boats and divers, but despite their best efforts, the boy was pronounced dead at the scene.

County officials are treating the incident as an accidental drowning. The sheriff’s office has opened a routine investigation to determine whether equipment failure, operator inexperience, or hazardous river conditions contributed to the tragedy. No charges have been filed at this time.

“Our hearts go out to the family,” Sheriff Mark Rouse said in a brief statement. “We’ll do everything we can to understand what happened and to help prevent future accidents on our waterways.”

The river that day was reported to be running at a moderate flow, with a few gusty breezes that can make handling a jet‑ski tricky, especially for younger riders. Local safety advocates have long warned that teenagers should receive proper training and always wear life jackets, yet many still take the watercraft out without helmets or adequate supervision.

Friends of the victim described him as an avid water sports enthusiast who loved the river but never imagined it could turn deadly. “He was the life of the party,” said his mother in a brief interview, eyes red from tears. “He loved the water. I can’t believe we’ve lost him so early.”

Community members gathered later in the afternoon for a small vigil at Gladstone Park, laying flowers and lighting candles near the riverbank. The mood was somber, with many reflecting on how quickly joy can shift to sorrow.

Authorities are urging anyone who witnessed the accident or who has information about the jet‑ski’s condition to contact the sheriff’s office. They also remind residents that the state requires a boating safety course for operators under 18, and that wearing a Coast Guard‑approved personal flotation device (PFD) can make the difference between life and death.

As the investigation continues, the loss serves as a painful reminder of the risks that come with high‑speed water recreation. Families, friends, and the broader community are left to grapple with the sudden void, hoping that lessons learned might spare another family from similar grief.