Crime
Children killed in I-65 crash in Hobart identified
HOBART, Ind. — Authorities have identified the three passengers killed in a devastating Interstate 65 crash in Hobart, Indiana, that also left another child critically injured and could result in multiple felony charges against the driver, according to the Indiana State Police.
The victims were identified as 9-year-old Royce Sims, 5-year-old Artavius Sims, and 19-year-old Raniah Simpson.
A fourth child, 7-year-old Terrion, survived the violent collision but remains hospitalized in critical condition with severe injuries.
Investigators said the deadly crash occurred shortly after midnight on Friday, May 15, along southbound I-65 about one mile south of Ridge Road in Hobart.
According to state police, 31-year-old Renee Foster of Gary was driving a Ford Explorer southbound on the interstate when the SUV allegedly rear-ended a disabled semi-tractor trailer that had been parked on the right shoulder of the highway.
Troopers said the Ford Explorer struck the semi-truck “at a high rate of speed,” causing catastrophic damage to the SUV.
Authorities reported that three of the four juvenile passengers inside the vehicle died from injuries sustained in the crash.
One of the victims was reportedly ejected from the SUV during the impact.
The surviving child, Terrion, suffered life-threatening injuries and was airlifted by medical helicopter to the University of Chicago Medical Center for emergency treatment.
Renee Foster also sustained injuries in the collision. Officials said she suffered upper-body injuries and was transported to Franciscan Health Crown Point for medical care.
The driver of the semi-truck was not injured.
During the investigation, Foster reportedly told troopers that she had fallen asleep behind the wheel before the crash occurred.
The heartbreaking tragedy has devastated multiple families. Royce and Artavius Sims leave behind their younger brother, Terrion, who remains hospitalized as he continues fighting for his recovery.
Family members, including Renee Foster and Michelle Foster, are now mourning the unimaginable loss of their loved ones while dealing with the aftermath of the catastrophic crash.
According to Indiana State Police, both Foster and the semi-truck driver consented to blood draws following the collision.
Toxicology results are still pending.
Authorities said the following recommended charges have been submitted against Foster to the Lake County Prosecutor’s Office for review:
- Four counts of neglect of a dependent, Level 5 felonies punishable by one to six years in prison
- Reckless driving, a Class A misdemeanor
- Driving while suspended, a Class C misdemeanor
- Four child restraint violations
Indiana State Police noted that Foster was not in custody at the time of the announcement because she was still receiving medical treatment.
Officials also emphasized that all suspects are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
The fatal I-65 crash investigation remains ongoing as authorities continue gathering evidence and awaiting toxicology test results related to the tragic collision in Hobart.
Crime
14-Year-Old Middleton High School Student Carson Chrapkowski Dies After Bicycle Crash, Driver Alyssa Anderson Arrested
MIDDLETON, Idaho — A 14-year-old Middleton High School student has died after being struck by a vehicle while riding his bicycle near the high school Friday night, according to the Middleton Police Department.
The teenager was transported by Life Flight to St. Luke’s Boise following the crash but died from his injuries early Saturday morning.
Middleton police said the crash involved a vehicle and a bicyclist near Middleton High School. The 14-year-old suffered critical injuries and was flown to a Boise hospital for emergency medical treatment.
Police announced Saturday morning that the young bicyclist had succumbed to his injuries.
The teen was identified in the information provided for this report as Carson Chrapkowski, a Middleton High School student. However, the police department’s public statement did not release the teenager’s name.
Police arrested 41-year-old Alyssa Louise Anderson in connection with the crash. Anderson was booked into the Canyon County Jail.
According to police, Anderson is facing charges of vehicular manslaughter, aggravated DUI and leaving the scene of an injury accident.
Authorities have not released additional details about the circumstances leading up to the collision or the specific allegations supporting the DUI charge.
The crash remains under investigation by the Middleton Police Department and Idaho State Police. Investigators have not released further information about the sequence of events or whether additional charges could be filed.
Police said they are continuing to work to establish the circumstances surrounding the fatal crash.
The Middleton Police Department expressed condolences to the teenager’s parents, family, friends, classmates and others affected by his death as the community mourns the loss of a young student.