Lake County- On Saturday, July 26th, at approximately 11:57 p.m., Troopers responded to a multi-vehicle crash on I-65, southbound lanes at the 254 mile-marker. This location is approximately one mile north of U.S. 30 and was under a multi-lane shift for a construction zone.
Preliminary investigation shows that the driver of a black 2005 Cadillac had attempted to pull over to the right and was partially stopped in the right lane due to there being a lack of an emergency shoulder. The driver of the vehicle was standing outside of the vehicle and was attempting to put fuel into their vehicle with a gas can when they were struck by a passing vehicle, a Ford Flex. This impact then resulted in the Ford Flex striking the concrete barrier wall that was dividing north and southbound traffic. This second impact resulted in another crash involving a northbound vehicle and the concrete wall.
The individual that was struck by the Ford Flex died at the scene. He has been identified by the Lake County Coroner as Anthony Drake, 58, from Gary, IN. Family has been notified. The other drivers involved in the crash were treated at local hospitals for non-life-threatening injuries.