Lake County, IN – The Lake County Coroner’s Office has identified the three people killed in Friday’s devastating crash on Interstate 65 near Hobart.
According to the coroner’s office, 19-year-old Raniah Simpson of Chicago, Illinois, 9-year-old Royce Sims, and 5-year-old Artavius Sims were pronounced dead following the crash on southbound I-65 near mile marker 257 early Friday morning.
Officials said all three victims died from blunt force trauma injuries sustained in the motor vehicle collision. The victims were pronounced deceased between 1:27 a.m. and 1:29 a.m. Friday.
Indiana State Police previously reported the crash occurred around midnight Friday, May 15, 2026, when a blue Ford Explorer carrying five occupants allegedly rear-ended a semi-truck parked on the shoulder because of mechanical issues.
Investigators said the driver of the SUV, identified as 31-year-old Renee Foster of Gary, Indiana, allegedly fell asleep while driving before the vehicle left the roadway and struck the attached trailer at a high rate of speed.
Authorities stated several occupants in the SUV were not properly restrained at the time of the crash. A fourth juvenile passenger suffered severe injuries and was airlifted to the University of Chicago for treatment. The semi driver was not injured.
Indiana State Police said alcohol is believed to have been a factor in the crash, though toxicology results remain pending. Potential felony charges are expected to be submitted to the Lake County Prosecutor’s Office.
The crash remains under active investigation by Indiana State Police.
