Mother of 17-year-old killed in South Salem crash sues teen driver for $1 million

The mother of a 17-year-old killed after a car crash is suing the teen driver behind the wheel when the car rammed into a tree in a South Salem neighborhood for $1 million. 

The wrongful death lawsuit filed Nov. 7 against the teen and his parents accuses the driver of negligent causing the death of Alejandro "Alberto" Rodriguez Chavez, a Beaverton High School senior, by speeding, failing to keep a proper lookout and failing to maintain control of his vehicle. 

The driver was a minor at the time of the crash. The Statesman Journal is not identifying him because of his age and the fact that he did not faced any adult criminal charges for his role in the crash. 

Just before 4:30 a.m. on March 23, Rodriguez Chavez was riding in the backseat of a black sedan with four other teens ranging in age from 14 to 17. The teens, who were on spring break, had just left a party and were driving on Fairway Avenue SE toward the intersection with Rees Hill Road SE when the driver lost control of the car.

Witnesses estimated the car was speeding at 70 mph in a 25-mph zone. 

Previous coverage:South Salem resident describes crash that killed 1, hurt 4

The car crashed into a tree, crushing the passenger side. Rodriguez Chavez died at the scene, and the driver and three other passengers were hospitalized with injuries ranging from minor to critical. 

A witness told the Statesman Journal he tried to help Rodriguez Chavez out of the car but he died in his arms. 

"I wish there was more I could've done," he said. "I feel bad for those five families." 

Neighbors said the area was the site of frequent crashes, with about five wrecks happening within a year. 

The principal of Beaverton High School confirmed that other students from the district were involved in the crash. 

Chavez's sister, Angelina Chavez, created a GoFundMe page to raise money for funeral costs.  

"Words cannot describe the unexpected loss of our beloved son and brother," she wrote. "He was a sweet and kind-hearted individual who was loved by those who knew him.

Rodriguez Chavez was buried on March 27, two weeks before his 18th birthday. 

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The lawsuit states he was subjected to "extreme physical forces and blunt force trauma resulting in his suffering of devastating physical injuries that caused his death. In addition, (he), prior to his death, experienced conscious fear, pain and suffering."

The wrongful death lawsuit requested an amount of no more than $1 million for his surviving family's pain, suffering and loss of companionship. They also asked for a judgment covering economic damages stemming from Rodriguez Chavez's funeral, burial and memorial. 

His mother's attorney Natasha Cobb said his death has been very hard on their family and has caused them to experience depression and stress-related health issues. 

"It's a very sad situation," Cobb said.

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For questions, comments and news tips, email reporter Whitney Woodworth at wmwoodwort@statesmanjournal.com, call 503-399-6884 or follow on Twitter @wmwoodworth