WSP: Wrong-way driver in fatal crash was not impaired

The man who drove the wrong way on Interstate 5 and caused a fatal crash in February was not under the influence of drugs or alcohol, according to Washington State Patrol.

The toxicology reports for Gage Musgrave, 84, of Vancouver, have been completed and determined that his system was clean of intoxicants, Trooper Will Finn said.

Musgrave was driving a 2005 Toyota Avalon south in the northbound lanes of I-5 on Feb. 28 when he crashed into a 2008 Nissan Altima near the Battle Ground exit.

Six-year-old Henry Babitzke died in the crash and Musgrave died two weeks later from health issues that resulted from injuries sustained in the collision.

Witnesses reported seeing a vehicle similar to Musgrave’s driving the wrong way in the Gee Creek Rest area just prior to the crash, according to state patrol.

Whether or not Babitzke had been wearing a safety restraint prior to the crash is still under investigation. Finn said that investigators are waiting for the medical examiner’s report. No charges have been filed in the case.

Troopers continue to look into what caused the crash through the remaining avenues of investigation.

“We may never know why it happened,” Finn said. “We’re going to do everything within our power to get an answer.”