Names of Victims Released from Early Morning Fatality Near Hermiston – Motorist Driving Wrong Way

Oregon State Patrol officials have released the identities of those involved in an early Friday morning crash on I-82 near Hermiston, including one person who died.

Around 1:27am,  a 2005 Cadillac CTS driven by 31-year-old Alicia G. Breckheimer of  Hermiston was headed Westbound in the East bound lanes of Interstate 82 outside of Hermiston when she collided head-on with a 2006 Chrysler 300 driven by 66-year-old Robert Henry Baker of Ione, OR.

Baker was, according to officials, was pronounced dead at the scene.  Both drivers were using restraints,  Breckheimer had to be cut from the vehicle.  She was eventually flown by Lifeflight helicopter to Legacy Emanuel Medical Center in Portland.   Alcohol is a suspected factor in the crash, especially since Breckheimer was driving in the wrong direction into oncoming traffic.

Oregon State Patrol officials urge motorists to keep an eye out for wrong-way drivers,  by watching for swerving vehicles ahead, sudden brake lights, and especially at night, headlights that appear to be coming right at you.    Besides alcohol, confused or lost motorists unfamiliar with the area can sometimes enter area freeways the wrong way.

The investigation continues into the crash.