Wrong-Way I-65 Crash Near Merrillville Kills 20-Year-Old, Two Seriously Injured

Overview

• Indiana State Police say a silver 2022 Toyota driving south in the northbound lanes struck a 2016 Ford head-on just before 2 a.m. near mile marker 256.4 by 61st Avenue.
• The Ford’s driver, identified as 20-year-old Rylee Hanson of Hobart, was pronounced dead at the scene.
• A female passenger in the Ford sustained serious injuries and was taken to St. Mary’s Hospital for treatment.
• The wrong-way driver, identified as Jessica Hughes, 29, of Hebron, was extricated and airlifted to a Chicago hospital, where she remains in critical condition.
• Troopers reported observations suggesting impairment by Hughes, no charges had been filed as of Saturday afternoon, lanes have reopened, and anyone with dash-cam footage is asked to contact Trooper Somerville at 219-696-6242.