Wrong-way motorist passes away

Published 6:35 pm Thursday, May 23, 2024

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The wrong-way motorist who caused a collision on Interstate 85 near LaGrange in April has passed away.

Ruben Hernandez, 29, of Stone Mountain, Georgia died Wednesday morning due to medical complications resulting from the April 13 crash on I-85.

According to Georgia State Patrol, the multi-vehicle collision seriously injured multiple motorists on I-85 North near mile marker 18 on Saturday, April 13 shortly before 9:47 p.m.

Troup County 911 received reports of a black sedan traveling south in the northbound lanes of I-85, south of Lafayette Parkway (GA-109).  Minutes later, 911 received reports of a head-on collision blocking I-85 North.

According to GSP, the preliminary investigation revealed that a Toyota Camry was traveling south on I-85 North in the right lane.

A Ford F-150 was traveling north in the right lane of I-85 North, and a Chevrolet Equinox was traveling north on I-85 North in the right lane behind the Ford F-150.  The Toyota Camry struck the Ford F-150 in the left front with its left front. The Toyota Camry rotated counterclockwise in the roadway and was struck on the left side by the Chevrolet.

The Toyota came to a rest blocking both north travel lanes of I-85N, the Ford came to a rest on the east roadside and the Chevrolet came to rest on the west roadside.

Hernandez, who had been driving the Camry, was determined to be at fault for the crash.