THURSTON COUNTY, Wash. — The Washington State Patrol has identified the victim of a fatal crash that occurred Friday evening on Interstate 5 near the Nisqually bridge as 67-year-old Rhonda S. Long of Springfield, Oregon.

THURSTON COUNTY, Wash. — The Washington State Patrol has identified the victim of a fatal crash that occurred Friday evening on Interstate 5 near the Nisqually bridge as 67-year-old Rhonda S. Long of Springfield, Oregon.

According to the Washington State Patrol (WSP), the tragic crash occurred around 7:20 p.m. on Friday, October 31, when Long was traveling northbound on I-5 approaching the Nisqually bridge. For reasons still under investigation, her vehicle veered off the roadway to the right, striking a barrier before crossing all lanes of traffic and colliding with a barrier on the opposite side of the highway.

Officials said that despite the severity of the crash, Long’s vehicle came to rest without blocking the roadway, allowing traffic to continue flowing as troopers and emergency personnel responded to the scene.

Paramedics transported Long to Providence St. Peter Hospital in Olympia, where, despite life-saving efforts, she was later pronounced deceased.

The Thurston County Coroner’s Office has confirmed Long’s identity and notified her family of the devastating news. No other vehicles were involved in the crash, and authorities have found no immediate indication of impairment or distraction.

Investigators are now working to determine what may have caused Long to lose control of her vehicle. The Washington State Patrol’s traffic collision team continues to review evidence from the scene and gather witness statements to better understand the circumstances surrounding the incident.

News of Long’s death has left her family and community in Springfield, Oregon, deeply heartbroken. Friends have described her as a kind and compassionate woman who lived with warmth and integrity—someone who valued family, friendship, and helping others.

The stretch of I-5 near the Nisqually bridge, where the crash occurred, is a busy corridor connecting the Olympia area to southern Washington and northern Oregon. While it is not uncommon for accidents to occur in this area, fatal crashes such as this one serve as a sobering reminder of how quickly tragedy can strike on the road.

Authorities are urging drivers to remain cautious and alert, particularly as nighttime driving conditions and seasonal weather changes increase potential hazards.

As the community mourns the loss of Rhonda S. Long, those who knew her remember not only the tragic circumstances of her passing but the kindness, joy, and strength she brought into the lives of those around her.