Lake County, Ind. — A terrifying head-on collision early Saturday left one young woman dead and another fighting for her life, officers say, after a wrong-way driver barreled into oncoming traffic on Interstate 65.
Around 1:50 a.m., a silver 2022 Toyota was spotted traveling south in the northbound lanes near the 256.4 mile-marker, just north of 61st Avenue. State police believe the driver was going the wrong way when her car struck a black 2016 Ford traveling correctly in the northbound direction.
The driver of the Toyota, 29-year-old Jessica Hughes of Hebron, Indiana, suffered severe injuries and had to be extricated from her vehicle by fire crews. Police noted signs that Hughes may have been impaired at the time of the crash. She was flown by medical helicopter to a Chicago hospital, where she remains in critical condition.
In the Ford, 20-year-old Rylee Hanson of Hobart, Indiana, was killed at the scene. Hanson’s life ended in an instant, leaving behind family and friends who are now mourning her sudden loss.
A female passenger in Hanson’s car was seriously hurt and taken by ambulance to St. Mary’s Hospital. Her condition remains serious as loved ones keep vigil and pray for her recovery.
The highway was shut down in both directions for hours as first responders worked the scene and troopers pieced together what happened. Once officials cleared the site, lanes were reopened and morning traffic resumed.
No criminal charges have been announced. Indiana State Police say the investigation is ongoing and they are working with the Lake County Prosecutor’s Office to determine if any charges are appropriate. Police are asking for help from the public, especially anyone who may have captured dash-cam footage of the crash or the vehicles before the collision.
Neighbors and those close to the victims are left grappling with the tragedy. The contrast between a joyful young life cut short and another hanging in the balance underscores how quickly a routine night can turn into heartbreak on an interstate highway.
