Lake County, IN (February 21, 2026) – A 20-year-old woman was killed early on Friday morning, February 20, in a head-on crash involving a suspected wrong-way driver on Interstate 65. The collision happened around 1:50 a.m. near the 256.4-mile marker in the northbound lanes, just north of 61st Ave.
Authorities said a silver 2022 Toyota was traveling southbound in the northbound lanes when it struck a black 2016 Ford that was heading north in the far-left lane. The Ford had two occupants inside at the time of the crash.
The driver of the Ford, identified as Rylee Hanson, 20, of Hobart and formerly of DeMotte, was pronounced dead at the scene. A female passenger in the Ford suffered serious injuries and was taken to St. Mary’s Hospital for treatment.
The 29-year-old driver of the Toyota was trapped inside the vehicle and had to be extricated. She was airlifted to a hospital in Chicago in critical condition. Officials said observations at the scene led investigators to believe the driver may have been impaired.
Both northbound and southbound lanes of I-65 were temporarily closed to allow a medical helicopter to land and for crews to process the scene. All lanes have since reopened. The investigation remains ongoing pending further review. Our heartfelt condolences go out to the family and loved ones of Rylee Hanson.
Why Wrong-Way Crashes on Interstates Are Often Fatal
Wrong-way crashes on highways like I-65 are among the most severe types of collisions. Because vehicles are traveling at high speeds in opposite directions, the force of impact in a head-on crash can be devastating.
Many wrong-way incidents occur during overnight hours when traffic is lighter, and visibility may be reduced. Factors such as driver confusion, missed exit ramps, or impairment can contribute to a vehicle entering lanes in the wrong direction.
Highway safety agencies often use signage, reflective markers, and ramp design changes to reduce the risk of wrong-way driving. Even so, drivers should remain alert, especially at night, and report any vehicle traveling against traffic to emergency services immediately.
