LAKE COUNTY, Ind. — A tragic crash early Saturday morning on Interstate 65 claimed the life of a 20-year-old woman and left another critically injured after a wrong-way driver caused a head-on collision, according to the Indiana State Police.
The crash occurred around 1:50 a.m. near the 256.4 mile-marker in the northbound lanes, just north of 61st Avenue. Preliminary investigations indicate a silver 2022 Toyota was traveling southbound in the northbound lanes when it collided head-on with a black 2016 Ford traveling correctly northbound.
The driver of the Toyota, identified as 29-year-old Jessica Hughes of Hebron, Indiana, had to be extricated by local fire personnel. Due to the severity of her injuries, she was airlifted to a hospital in Chicago. Troopers noted signs suggesting Hughes may have been impaired at the time of the crash. She remains in critical condition.
The driver of the Ford, 20-year-old Rylee Hanson of Hobart, Indiana, previously from Demotte, Indiana, was pronounced dead at the scene by the Lake County Coroner. A female passenger in the Ford sustained serious injuries and was transported by ambulance to St. Mary’s Hospital for treatment.
Both northbound and southbound lanes of I-65 were temporarily closed to allow for the medical helicopter landing and crash investigation. Lanes have since reopened.
No charges have been filed at this time. The investigation is ongoing, pending further review and consultation with the Lake County Prosecutor’s Office. Troopers are asking anyone with dash-cam footage of the crash or the vehicles prior to the incident to contact Trooper Somerville at 219-696-6242.
All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty. The Indiana State Police–Lowell Post provided the update.
