Lake County- Multiple felony charges against the driver involved in the February 2026 wrong‑way crash on Interstate 65 that resulted in one fatality and serious injuries to another individual.
Jessica T. Hughes, 29, of Hebron, Indiana, has been charged with the following offenses:
• Death when operating a vehicle with an alcohol concentration equivalent of .08% or above – Level 4 Felony
• Causing serious bodily injury while operating a vehicle with an alcohol concentration equivalent of .08% or above – Level 5 Felony
• Reckless homicide – Level 5 Felony
The investigation revealed that Hughes had a blood alcohol concentration of .18% at the time of the crash. The collision resulted in the death of Rylee M. Hanson. Hanson’s passenger sustained serious injuries and was treated at a local hospital.
Upon issuance of the warrant, Hughes turned herself in to the Lake County Jail and subsequently posted bond. A court hearing has been scheduled for April in Lake County Superior Court.
All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Original News Release is Below
Woman Killed in Early Morning Crash Involving a Wrong-Way Driver on I-65
Lake County- Early this morning, at approximately 1:50 a.m., Indiana State Police troopers responded to a two-vehicle crash on Interstate 65 near the 256.4 mile-marker in the northbound lanes, just north of 61st Avenue. Preliminary investigation indicates the crash involved a wrong-way driver who was traveling southbound in the northbound lanes of I-65 which resulted in a head-on crash.
The investigation shows a silver 2022 Toyota was traveling southbound in the northbound lanes of I-65 when it struck a 2016 Ford head-on. The driver of the Toyota had to be extricated by local fire personnel and, due to the severity of her injuries, was airlifted to a hospital in Chicago. Prior to transport, troopers made observations of the driver that led investigators to believe that the driver was impaired. The driver remains in critical condition. The driver has been identified as Jessica Hughes, 29, from Hebron, Indiana.
The victim of the crash was traveling northbound in the far-left lane in a black 2016 Ford which was occupied by two individuals. The driver of that vehicle was pronounced deceased at the scene by the Lake County Coroner. The female passenger sustained serious injuries and was transported by ambulance to St. Mary’s Hospital for treatment. The deceased has been identified as Rylee Hanson, 20, from Hobart Indiana, previously from Demotte, IN.
Both northbound and southbound lanes of Interstate 65 were temporarily shut down to allow a medical helicopter to land and for crash investigation and scene processing. All lanes have since reopened.
No charges have been filed at this time. The investigation remains ongoing, pending further review and consultation with the Lake County Prosecutor’s Office.
Investigating troopers have requested anyone with dash-cam footage of the crash or the vehicles prior to the crash, are requested to contact Trooper Somerville at 219-696-6242. All suspects are presumed to be innocent until/unless proven guilty in court.