Family of woman killed in boating accident blames driver

PORTLAND, Oregon – The family of a 24-year-old Vancouver woman says erratic driving led to her death in a boating accident.

Kaileigh Seidel died Saturday on the Willamette River near the Hawthorne Bridge. Her family told KGW that Kaileigh and her friend had invited her on a boat and raft ride with some people they didn’t know well. Kaileigh was in a raft that was being pulled from the boat when the accident happened.

“The driver was driving very fast and recklessly and just drove her into another boat. She hit the boat and, as far as I know, died instantly,” said Aliyah Seidel, Kaileigh’s younger sister.

The accident occurred on June 22 just before 8 p.m. Kaileigh was pulled from the water and taken to the hospital, but the family told KGW that she most likely died at the scene.

The Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) is investigating the incident. The MCSO said the case will be forwarded to the District Attorney’s Office. After the investigation, a decision will be made as to whether charges will be filed.

Her family remembers Kaileigh Seidel as someone who brightened up every room she entered.

“She had a beautiful smile and touched so many lives,” said Aliyah Seidel.

The family finds comfort in the outpouring of support from people who knew Kaileigh.

A GoFundMe campaign to raise money for funeral expenses has grown to over $40,000 as of Thursday.

In addition, people sent messages and shared memories of the 24-year-old.

“We read them and look at them and maybe it will give us some comfort that we are looking for. The support from everyone is just incredible,” said Rachelle Hunsperger, Kaileigh’s aunt.

As the healing process began, Aliyah Seidel shared with KGW what she would say to her sister if she could speak to her one last time:

“I just told her how much I loved her and how much she really meant to me because she told me all the time. She told me that she loved me more than anything and that she would die for me and I wish I could have told her that more often.”