A 70-year-old Cougar man is dead and two others were injured in a three-car collision on state Route 503 near Battle Ground Wednesday afternoon around 2:23 p.m.
Francis X. Isselhardt, 70, of Cougar, was pronounced dead at PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center in Vancouver after his vehicle was driving northbound on state Route 503 in a 2004 Buick Rainier just north of Potter Road and crossed the center line, striking a 2024 Volkswagen Jetta.
The Jetta — occupied by driver Mary A. Wright, 26, of Yacolt, and Walker L. Wright, 27, of La Center — came to rest off the roadway while Isselhardt’s vehicle continued northbound and struck a third vehicle, a 2003 Jeep Liberty driven by Michael P. Lorah, 40, of Woodland, head on.
Wright was injured and transported to Legacy Salmon Creek Medical Center in Vancouver, while Wright was not listed but transported to the same hospital as a precaution. Lorah was injured and transported to PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center.
All three vehicles were totaled. All four victims were wearing seat belts, according to a Washington State Patrol memo, and no drugs or alcohol are believed to be involved.
