Fatality: Rublllen E. Hernandez and Rebecca F. Hantho die in fatal Interstate 5 wrong-way crash near Battle Ground

Ruben E. Hernandez and Rebecca F. Hantho die in fatal Interstate 5 wrong-way crash near Battle Ground

Fatal Interstate 5 wrong-way crash near Battle Ground death of Ruben E. Hernandez and Rebecca F. Hantho – Obituary

Authorities have confirmed the identities of two individuals who lost their lives in a tragic head-on collision on Interstate 5 near the Battle Ground exit earlier this month. Ruben E. Hernandez, 30, of Portland, was driving in the wrong direction when the crash occurred, colliding with a vehicle operated by Rebecca F. Hantho, 40, of La Center.

According to the Washington State Patrol, Hernandez was traveling southbound in the northbound lanes in a 2025 Toyota Corolla when he struck Hantho’s 2018 Ford Focus near Milepost 11. The impact was fatal for both drivers, who were pronounced dead at the scene.

The incident led to the complete closure of northbound lanes of I-5 for several hours as emergency crews responded and cleared the wreckage. Traffic was eventually restored after the scene was secured.

Investigators have not yet determined whether substances such as alcohol or drugs contributed to the crash.