An early morning crash involving a wrong-way driver claimed the life of a 20-year-old woman Saturday in Lake County, according to the Indiana State Police.
Troopers responded around 1:50 a.m. to a two-vehicle crash on Interstate 65 near the 256.4 mile-marker in the northbound lanes, just north of 61st Avenue. Preliminary investigation indicates a silver 2022 Toyota was traveling southbound in the northbound lanes when it collided head-on with a black 2016 Ford.
Police said the Toyota’s driver, identified as Jessica Hughes, 29, of Hebron, had to be extricated from the vehicle and was airlifted to a Chicago hospital due to the severity of her injuries. Troopers reported observations at the scene that led them to believe the driver may have been impaired. She remains in critical condition.
The driver of the Ford, identified as Rylee Hanson, 20, of Hobart, formerly of DeMotte, was pronounced deceased at the scene by the Lake County Coroner. A female passenger in the Ford sustained serious injuries and was transported to a local hospital for treatment.
Both northbound and southbound lanes of I-65 were temporarily shut down to allow a medical helicopter to land and for crash investigation and scene processing. All lanes have since reopened.
No charges have been filed at this time. The investigation remains ongoing pending further review and consultation with the Lake County Prosecutor’s Office.
Investigators are asking anyone with dash-cam footage of the crash or the vehicles prior to the collision to contact Trooper Somerville at 219-696-6242. All suspects are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.