Portland woman faces Manslaughter charges for a ORE58 crash that killed 5-year-old child

The following is a press release from the Oregon State Police.

The ongoing investigation into a November 20, 2022, crash that caused the death of a 5-year-old female on Oregon Highway 58 has resulted in the arrest of the driver, Amber Gonzalez-Riddle (26). 

On Thursday, December 1, 2022, Oregon State Police Troopers arrested Amber Gonzalez Riddle and lodged her in the Lane County Jail on charges of Manslaughter II, Reckless Endangering (x2), Assault III (x2), and Driving Under the Influence of Intoxicants (DUII). 

The two-vehicle crash occurred Sunday, November 20, 2022, at approximately 6:09 PM. Oregon State Police Troopers and emergency personnel responded on the highway 25 miles east of Oakridge at milepost 61. Approximately one mile west of the Klamath-Lane County Line.

Oregon Highway 58, Milepost 61 - approximate location of the two-vehicle crash. (map, oregon.gov)

The preliminary investigation revealed a westbound Honda Accord, operated by Gonzalez-Riddle of Portland, crossed into the oncoming eastbound lane and collided with a Toyota Rav 4, operated by Debra Diane Baker (66) of Sunriver.

The Toyota caught fire and became fully engulfed after the occupants were removed. 

Gonzalez-Riddle and passengers, Geavony Amor Ferreira (23) of Portland and a 3-year-old female were transported to an area hospital with injuries. An additional passenger, a 5-year-old female sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased.

Baker and her passenger, John Baker (67) of Sunriver, were transported to an area hospital with injuries. 

Highway 58 was affected for approximately 6 hours while the OSP Collision Reconstruction Unit investigated the scene.

OSP was assisted by Oakridge Fire Department, Central Cascade Fire Department, Oakridge Police Department, and ODOT.