HOBART — Authorities have released updated details regarding a catastrophic, triple-fatal crash on Interstate 65 early Friday morning, correcting initial reports about the ages of the victims.
While preliminary information indicated that all three passengers who lost their lives were juveniles, the Lake County Coroner’s Office has since determined that one of the deceased individuals was actually a 19-year-old adult.
The collision occurred on Friday, May 15, 2026, at approximately 12:00 a.m., according to the Indiana State Police Lowell Post.
Troopers were dispatched to I-65 southbound near the 257.2 mile-marker, about one mile south of Ridge Road, where they found a blue Ford Explorer facing west and blocking the right two lanes.
Investigators state that the driver of the Explorer, identified as Renee Foster, 31, of Gary, Indiana, was traveling southbound in the right lane when she allegedly fell asleep at the wheel. The SUV veered off the roadway at a high rate of speed and slammed into the back of a white Freightliner Cascadia semi-truck. The semi-truck and its attached box trailer had been parked on the right shoulder due to mechanical issues.
The impact caused catastrophic damage to the Ford Explorer and significant damage to the semi-trailer. The driver of the semi-truck was not injured.
The crash resulted in three fatalities and severe injuries to two others:
- Renee Foster (Driver): Sustained upper body injuries and was transported to Franciscan Hospital in Crown Point for treatment.
- Front Right Passenger: An unrestrained individual who was ejected from the vehicle and suffered fatal injuries. Initially identified as a juvenile, the coroner later confirmed this victim was 19 years old.
- Rear Left Passenger: A juvenile who was not properly restrained suffered fatal injuries.
- Middle Rear Passenger: A juvenile who was not properly restrained suffered fatal injuries.
- Third-Row Middle Passenger: A juvenile who was not properly restrained; suffered severe, potentially life-threatening injuries, and was airlifted to the University of Chicago Medicine for emergency treatment.
The birth years of the two deceased juveniles and the injured child remain under investigation.
Investigators heavily suspect alcohol consumption was a factor in the collision. Both Foster and the semi-truck driver consented to blood draws, and toxicology results are currently pending.
As of the latest update, Foster remains hospitalized and is not in police custody. However, state police announced that felony charges will be submitted to the Lake County Prosecutor’s Office for consideration.
The pending charges against Foster include:
- 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)
Additional charges for operating a vehicle while intoxicated may be submitted once the blood test results are finalized.
The fatal crash investigation remains ongoing, and state police note that additional information will be released as it becomes available.
Those facing criminal charges are considered innocent until proven guilty through a fair and due legal process. Accusations alone do not imply guilt; the judicial system will evaluate the presented evidence to reach a verdict.
