Indiana State Police have corrected details in a deadly crash investigation on Interstate 65 near Hobart early Friday morning.
Investigators originally reported that three juveniles were killed in the crash. However, the Lake County Coroner later determined one of the victims was a 19-year-old adult. Two juveniles and one adult were killed in the crash.
The crash happened around midnight Friday on I-65 southbound near the 257-mile marker, about a mile south of Ridge Road. Troopers say a blue Ford Explorer crashed into the back of a parked semi-truck on the shoulder of the highway.
According to police, the semi-truck had been parked on the right shoulder because of mechanical problems. Investigators allege the driver of the Explorer, 31-year-old Renee Foster of Gary, fell asleep while driving, causing the SUV to leave the roadway and strike the trailer at a high rate of speed.
Police say the Explorer suffered catastrophic damage.
Foster was injured and taken to Franciscan Hospital in Crown Point. A fourth passenger, who was reportedly not properly restrained, suffered severe injuries and was flown to the University of Chicago for treatment.
Investigators say several passengers in the SUV were not wearing proper restraints at the time of the crash.
Authorities say alcohol is believed to have been a factor. Blood test results are pending.
Police say felony neglect charges, along with several other charges, are expected to be submitted to the Lake County Prosecutor’s Office for consideration. The investigation remains ongoing.
