Driver killed in crash that shut down all southbound lanes on North Freeway near Spring, Harris County Sheriff's Office says; all lanes reopened

HARRIS COUNTY, Texas (KTRK) -- A woman died in the hospital following a crash on the North Freeway that shut down all the southbound lanes in the Spring area on Sunday morning, authorities said.

According to the Harris County Sheriff's Office, deputies were disptached ot the 18200 block of North Freeway near Parramatta Lane at about 1:30 a.m.

Investigators said that Laine Cramer was driving a 2016 Volkswagen Jetta in the southbound lanes when she failed to stay in a single lane. The vehicle then hit multiple delineators and an impact attenuator with its front end before rotating on the roadway, officials said.

HCSO said that Jesus Duarte was driving a 2025 Jeep Cherokee in the southbound lanes when his vehicle struck the right side of the Volkswagen. Officials said that Cramer was rushed to the hospital, where she was later pronounced dead.

Duarte showed no signs of intoxication, authorities said, and was later released from the scene.

During the investigation, all of the southbound lanes of the North Freeway were closed near Parramatta Lane, according to officials. The lanes were reopened, and the scene was cleared at around 5 a.m.

HCSO said its Vehicular Crimes Division is leading the ongoing investigation.