Woman improving after wrong-way crash on I-5

The condition of a La Center woman who was injured Friday in a crash with a wrong-way driver on Interstate 5 has improved, according to OHSU Hospital staff.

Ericka Gorremans, 32, was listed in serious condition Monday, and was upgraded to fair condition Tuesday. The condition of her 10-year-old son Clayton was not available.

On Friday afternoon, Gorremans was driving north on Interstate 5 in a 2008 Nissan Altima to take Clayton and Henry Babitzke, 6, her nephew, to a church camping trip. For an unknown reason, Gage Musgrave, 84, of Vancouver was driving a 2005 Toyota Avalon south in the northbound lanes and collided with the Altima.

Henry died in the crash. Gorremans and Clayton were taken to OHSU, and Musgrave was taken to PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center. On Saturday, Musgrave was in satisfactory condition, according to Washington State Patrol. An update of Musgrave’s condition was not available Tuesday.

State Patrol Trooper Will Finn said that Musgrave was interviewed the day of the crash, but troopers want to talk to witnesses and review the 911 calls before interviewing him again.

“This was a very traumatic crash and (Musgrave) did suffer a head injury,” Finn said. “We’re doing our due diligence.”

A donation account was set up to cover memorial service expenses for Henry. People can donate to “Ericka Gorremans’ memorial fund” at any People’s Credit Union branch (The fund’s name is a reference to Gorremans’ wish to raise money for Henry’s service). Otherwise, mail checks to P.O. Box 764, Vancouver, WA 98666.

There is also an online fundraiser to help pay for Gorremans’ and Clayton’s medical expenses at https://youcaring.com/GorremansFamilyFund.