Dive team recovers 3 bodies after SUV flips into Ilwaco river

Michaela Bourgeois

3 years ago

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – Washington state Patrol confirmed a dive team recovered the bodies of a woman and two teenagers in Ilwaco on Friday.

Police said the car was going at a high rate of speed before losing control, went off a dock, and flipped into the water before it was found in the morning.

The victims have been identified as 40-year-old Kimberly Pickering, her 15-year-old daughter Mya Edwards, and Edwards’ friend 15-year-old Neveah Longcrow.

Kimberly Pickering and her 15-year-old daughter Mya Edwards were among the three victims who died after their SUV crashed into a river in Ilwaco Friday morning. May 6, 2022 (courtesy Christina Pickerling).

Washington State Patrol said three people, including two teens, died after their car crashed into a river in Ilwaco Friday morning. May 6, 2022 (courtesy Luke Whitakker/Chinook Observer).

Authorities said it appears no one in the car was wearing a seatbelt and noted there are no witnesses, so it could be months before they may know what exactly happened.

A friend of Pickering named Christa Stephens told KOIN 6 News’ Jami Seymore, “It breaks my heart, this is such a huge loss to our peninsula and our community.”

Stephens added that Pickering “was such a beautiful mother and great friend to everyone.”

Friends have set up a GoFundMe account to help the families with expenses.

KOIN 6 News’ Jami Seymore contributed to this report.