News Release
HOBART — Two children and one adult died, and a fourth was critically injured when the SUV they were riding in slammed into the back of a semi-trailer on I-65.
Police believe the driver was intoxicated.
The crash took place at around midnight Friday morning, according to a press release from Indiana State Police.
Investigators determined that the SUV, a Ford Explorer, was speeding in the southbound lanes when it hit the semi, which had been parked on the right shoulder because of mechanical issues.
The driver of the explorer has been identified as Renee Foster, 31, from Gary. Foster had been traveling southbound in the right lane and allegedly fell asleep while driving and drove off the road, rear-ending the parked semi.
The Explorer sustained catastrophic damage as a result of the impact to the trailer. The trailer was also significantly damaged from the crash.
Foster sustained upper body injuries and was transported to Franciscan Hospital in Crown Point for treatment.
A juvenile passenger, who was unrestrained in the front right seat, was ejected from the vehicle and suffered fatal injuries as a result.
The semi driver was not injured.
Both drivers consented to blood draws, and results are pending.
Alcohol consumption is believed to be a factor in this crash. Felony charges will be submitted to the Lake County Prosecutor for consideration against Foster. Those charges include the following:
- Neglect of a Dependent — Level 5 Felony (4 counts)
- Reckless Driving — Class A Misdemeanor
- Driving with a Suspended Vehicle Registration — Class C Misdemeanor
- Child Restraint Violations — Infraction (4 counts)
Charges for O.W.I. may be considered/submitted once the blood results have been analyzed.
