Staff Report
MERRILLVILLE — One person died and two were injured in a wrong-way collision on I-65 shortly before 2 a.m. Saturday, north of Merrillville.
A preliminary investigation indicates the crash involved a driver traveling southbound in the northbound lanes of I-65, which resulted in a head-on crash.
Indiana State Police said a 2022 Toyota was traveling south in the northbound lanes of I-65 when it struck a Ford head-on.
The driver of the Toyota, Jessica Hughes, 29, from Hebron, had to be extricated and was airlifted to a hospital in Chicago.
Prior to transport, troopers police said they saw signs of impairment. The driver remains in critical condition. The driver has been identified as Jessica Hughes, 29, from Hebron.
Rylee Hanson, 20, Hobart, was traveling north in the far-left lane in a Ford when the vehicles collided.
Hanson was pronounced dead at the scene by the Lake County Coroner.
A female passenger had serious injuries and was taken by ambulance to St. Mary’s Hospital for treatment.
Both northbound and southbound lanes of Interstate 65 were temporarily shut down to allow a medical helicopter to land.
No charges have been filed at this time. The investigation remains ongoing, pending further review and consultation with the Lake County Prosecutor’s Office.
Investigating troopers have requested anyone with dash-cam footage of the crash or the vehicles prior to the crash, are requested to contact Trooper Somerville at 219-696-6242.
