Teen girl found dead after driving into Skagit River

The search for the girl, and the vehicle, was suspended because of hazardous conditions.

  • By Wire Service
  • Monday, November 23, 2020 3:15pm
  • Northwest

Associated Press

MOUNT VERNON — A teenager’s body was recovered Saturday from inside a vehicle in the Skagit River, police said.

Police believe 15-year-old Taylor Bentley called 911 on Friday night to report she had driven a car into the Skagit River from the boat ramp at Edgewater Park, according to the Mount Vernon Police Department.

The search for the girl, and the vehicle, was suspended late Friday because of hazardous conditions, police said. Crews on Saturday morning recovered her body from the vehicle downstream from the boat launch.

As of Monday morning, the vehicle remained in the river, with no immediate plans to remove it, according to police.

An investigation is ongoing.

The Mount Vernon School District, where Bentley was a student, and the Anacortes School District, where she was previously enrolled, have counselors available for students and staff.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Northwest

A rental sign seen in Everett. Saturday, May 23, 2020 (Sue Misao / Herald file)
Compromise reached on Washington bill to cap rent increases

Under a version released Thursday, rent hikes would be limited to 7% plus inflation, or 10%, whichever is lower.

The Washington state Capitol on April 18, 2025. (Photo by Jacquelyn Jimenez Romero/Washington State Standard)
Parental rights overhaul gains final approval in WA Legislature

The bill was among the most controversial of this year’s session.

Cherry blossoms in bloom at the Washington state Capitol on April 18, 2025. (Photo by Jacquelyn Jimenez Romero/Washington State Standard)
Democrats in Washington Legislature wrap up budget negotiations

Democratic budget writers are done hashing out details on a new two-year… Continue reading

Rep. Travis Couture, R-Allyn, speaks on the House floor in an undated photo. He was among the Republicans who walked out of a House Appropriations Committee meeting this week in protest of a bill that would close a facility in Pierce County for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. (Photo courtesy of Legislative Support Services)
Republicans walk out after WA House committee votes to close center for people with disabilities

Those supporting the closure say that the Rainier School has a troubled record and is far more expensive than other options.

Jacquelyn Jimenez Romero / Washington State Standard Gov. Bob Ferguson signing Senate Bill 5480, a bill that would exempt medical debt from credit reports, on Tuesday.
WA bill to keep medical debt off credit reports signed into law

Washingtonians’ medical debt will not be included in their credit reports, under… Continue reading

Jacquelyn Jimenez Romero / Washington State Standard Gov. Bob Ferguson during a media availability on April 1.
Ferguson criticizes Democrats’ $12B tax plan as ‘too risky’

The governor is still at odds with lawmakers in his party over how much revenue the state should raise to deal with a multibillion dollar shortfall.

Gov. Bob Ferguson in his first bill signing event on Friday, April 4, 2025. (Photo by Jacquelyn Jimenez Romero/Washington State Standard)
WA bill to restrict outside National Guard from entering state is signed into law

During his inaugural address in January, Gov. Bob Ferguson highlighted his support… Continue reading

Ryan Berry / Washington State Standard Washington state Attorney General Nick Brown, seen here during a January interview, is sparring with members of Congress over the state’s immigration policy
Washington AG defends state’s ‘sanctuary’ policy amid congressional scrutiny

Republican U.S. Rep. Michael Baumgartner, who represents eastern Washington, is among those pressuring Attorney General Nick Brown on immigration issues.

The Washington state Capitol on March 27. (Photo by Jacquelyn Jimenez Romero/Washington State Standard)
Democrats in Washington Legislature reveal sweeping new tax plan

It cobbles together a range of hikes, including on businesses, capital gains, and property. A question now is whether Gov. Bob Ferguson will support the proposals.

A student walks down a hallway at Evergreen Middle School past a sign displaying different values the students should embody while occupying the space on a 2024 school day in Everett. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Washington takes ‘historic’ step toward full funding for special education

The House passed a Senate bill that ditches a cap on the flow of state dollars to school districts.

A damaged vehicle is seen in the aftermath of a June 2024 crash in Thurston County, in which the driver of another vehicle was suspected of speeding and driving under the influence. (Photo courtesy of Thurston County Sheriff Office)
Washington Senate passes bill to require speed limiting devices for habitual speeders

The state Senate passed a bill Tuesday attempting to stop habitual speeders… Continue reading

WA officials considered offering National Guard help to Trump at Canadian border

Gov. Bob Ferguson opted against committing troops. His office says it was seeking ways to get ahead of the president potentially federalizing the state’s Guard.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.