‘No simple accident’: Family blames boat driver for death of woman being pulled in inner tube

PORTLAND, Ore. (KPTV/Gray News) - The family of a 24-year-old Oregon woman is blaming a boat driver for her death, saying she was thrown into the side of another boat while being pulled in an inner tube.

Aliyah Seidel lost her 24-year-old sister Kaileigh Seidel on Saturday in an incident on the Willamette River. The young woman had gone out with a friend and a few people she didn’t know as well, KPTV reports.

“She was very spontaneous and loved to have fun. She got invited out on a boat, and she had no idea that that would be the last day of her life,” Aliyah Seidel said.

Kaileigh Seidel’s aunt, Rachelle Hunsperger, says water was familiar territory for her niece, who had experience whitewater rafting. But on this trip, she was riding in an inner tube being pulled by a boat. Her family says when things got dangerous, she had no control.

“There was some very erratic and unsafe driving on the boat,” Hunsperger said.

Kaileigh Seidel’s friend told Hunsperger that the driver of the boat was whipping back and forth through the river and made one turn too fast. The 24-year-old was thrown into the side of another boat and died of her injuries in the hospital that night.

Hunsperger says the incident happened as Kaileigh Seidel was pleading for the driver to stop.

“That just seems so unlike her. She was always like, ‘Let’s go. Let’s have fun.’ If she was telling somebody to slow down, then she was probably scared,” Hunsperger said. “This was no simple accident. I feel that there is somebody definitely at fault, and hopefully, that comes out.”

Aliyah Seidel describes her sister as a great friend and dog mom who made everyone around her feel loved. She says she used to tease Kaileigh Seidel for being loud.

“She was so innocent and taken so violently because of someone else’s decision to be reckless,” Aliyah Seidel said. “We definitely feel her not being there. It’s a hole in all of our hearts because it’s so much more quiet.”

As they mourn, Kaileigh Seidel’s relatives are finding comfort in reading the memories of her that people are sharing on a GoFundMe set up to help with funeral expenses.

“It’s just a great reminder to love the people that are in your life and just let them know how much you love them,” Aliyah Seidel said.

“She made impacts all over the place, and it warms my heart. I have a serious hole in my heart, but this feels like it helps,” Hunsperger said. “You never know when someone’s going to make a careless decision or a mistake, and they can be taken away from you forever. Hold them close.”

The Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the incident, and so far, no arrests have been made. They say they are still talking to witnesses, and “once the facts are clear,” they will determine if any criminal charges will be filed.

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