BEAVERTON, Ore. — KGW spoke Monday with the mother and 11-year-old daughter of a woman who went missing after falling into the Willamette River on September 1. The 34-year-old has been identified as Courtlyn Fricker of Beaverton.
The Clackamas County Sheriff's Office said the accident happened shortly after 5 p.m. near Molalla River State Park in Canby.
"Losing a child is the most impossible thing I can think of," said Claudia Steiner-Fricker, Courtlyn Fricker's mother. "The hardest part for me was knowing she was in that water and we couldn't get her."
Crews searched the river all week and found her body on Friday near the Canby Ferry, which is about half a mile upstream from where the accident happened.
Claudia shared the latest details of CCSO’s investigation with KGW’s Daisy Caballero.
"What they were able to share is that she was seated at the front of the boat with friends," said Claudia. "They told me that because the boat was in the middle of a turn she was likely hit by the boat and she went under and did not resurface."
Claudia said Courtlyn was an amazing single mother who loved her job as a Dollar Store manager, her family and her young daughter Olivia.
"Olivia was everything to her. She was her only child," said Claudia. "The two of them were like two peas in a pod, going out and doing fun things together."
Claudia also acknowledged her daughter's kindness to people, adding that Courtlyn always made sure everyone was seen and loved — regardless of who they were.
"What will you miss most about your mom?” KGW’s Daisy Caballero asked Courtlyn’s daughter, Olivia.
“Just everything,” said Olivia. “Just like her smile and stuff."
Now, Claudia is remembering her youngest of three daughters. And while her life was cut short, Courtlyn impacted so many people in her 34 years.
"She cared," said Claudia. "She was kind.”
Claudia said her family is grateful for the both Clackamas and Washington County sheriff's offices, Tualatin Valley Fire and Rescue and the Oregon Rescue Divers who traveled from Bend all to help in the search.
"And there were so many citizens and volunteers that put their boats in the water to find my daughter,” said Claudia, her voice cracking and tears coming to her eyes. “And there are just no words. There are not enough thanks that I can give these people for doing that. There just isn't."
The CCSO investigation is ongoing, according to Claudia.
The family held a celebration of life this past Saturday. If you'd like to financially help the family and Courtlyn's daughter at this time you can do so through their GoFundMe page.