The driver killed in a wrong way crash on Highway 163 in Pella has been identified.

According to the Iowa State Patrol, Esther M. Hockett, 65, of Bowman, North Dakota died from impact when she drove her Mercury Mountaineer eastbound in the westbound lanes of Highway 163 in Pella at approximately 7:25 p.m. Wednesday evening. At Mile Marker 42, she collided with a semi driven by Kevin Goodman of Haverhill, Iowa, who was carrying 75 head of cattle, many of which fled the trailer they were in after it was flipped onto its side in the roadway.

Pella Police Chief Robert Bokinsky tells KRLS News Hockett likely merged into the wrong lane of traffic while attempting to head westbound onto 163, but instead, turned into the wrong lanes. Several drivers called 911 and attempted to stop Hockett, as she traveled nearly two miles against westbound travelers. Highway 163 was closed for several hours after the incident from Mile Markers 40 to 44, as crews were investigating and cleaning up the crash, while several farmers and first responders corralled several of the loose cattle, some of which were found up to four miles from the scene.

Personnel from Pella Police, Pella Fire, Pella Ambulance, Marion County Emergency Management, Mahaska County Sheriff’s Office, Marion County Sheriff’s Office, and New Sharon Police all responded. The Iowa State Patrol is investigating the collision.