RIDGEFIELD, Wash. — The Washington State Patrol and the Ridgefield community are mourning the deaths of two individuals following a devastating wrong-way crash on northbound Interstate 5 early Monday morning. Authorities confirmed that Rebecca F. Hantho, 40, of La Center, and a 30-year-old man from Portland, Oregon, were killed in the head-on collision.

Officials reported that Hantho was driving a 2018 Ford Focus southbound in the northbound lanes of I-5 near milepost 11 when her vehicle collided directly with a 2025 Toyota Corolla. Emergency responders arrived at the scene, but both drivers were pronounced dead at the site due to the severity of the crash.

The collision prompted the immediate closure of all northbound lanes of I-5 for several hours. Washington State Patrol personnel and first responders worked to secure the area, assist other motorists, and investigate the crash. The closure caused significant traffic delays as crews documented the scene and cleared wreckage from the highway.

Authorities have not yet determined if drugs or alcohol played a role in the crash. Investigators from the Washington State Patrol are continuing to review evidence, including vehicle positions, roadway conditions, and witness statements, to understand the exact circumstances that led to the tragic incident.

The crash has left both the Ridgefield and Portland communities grieving. Friends, family members, and neighbors are mourning the sudden loss of two lives and reflecting on the dangers of wrong-way driving on busy highways. Community members have expressed condolences on social media, remembering Hantho and the other driver for their lives cut tragically short.

As the investigation continues, the Washington State Patrol is urging anyone who may have witnessed the collision or who has dashcam footage from the area to come forward. Authorities are committed to piecing together the events leading up to the crash and providing answers to the families affected by this heartbreaking tragedy.