Two children and a woman died after an SUV struck a stopped semi.
HOBART, Ind. — Hobart firefighters are warning families about seat belt and child restraint use after a crash on I-65 killed two children and a young woman early Friday.
The warning followed a crash reported shortly after midnight on southbound Interstate 65 in Hobart. Indiana State Police said 31-year-old Renee Foster was driving a blue Ford Explorer when she fell asleep and hit a disabled semi-truck parked on the shoulder.
The Lake County Coroner’s Office said Raniah Simpson, 19, Royce Sims, 9, and Artavius Sims, 5, died in the crash. Officials said all three were from Chicago. Police said the children in the SUV were not in seat belts or car seats. A fourth child, age 7, survived and was taken by helicopter to the University of Chicago Medical Center, according to a family fundraiser.
Hobart Fire Department Assistant Chief Ron Reed said the crash scene was especially difficult for responders. “The SUV sustained catastrophic damage,” Reed said. “The vehicle was basically cut in half.” Fire officials said the wreck showed the force of rear-end crashes involving vehicles stopped along interstate shoulders.
State police said Foster faces reckless driving and child restraint violations. Investigators also said both drivers gave blood samples. The results were pending Friday. Police said alcohol is believed to be a factor, but they had not released a final toxicology report.
The family fundraiser said Royce and Artavius left behind a younger brother, Terrion, who was critically injured. It also said the families were facing funeral and medical expenses after the crash. The organizer described the deaths as a sudden loss for two families tied to Chicago.
Reed said firefighters in Hobart provide free child safety seats to city residents who need them. He said the department wanted the crash to remind people that restraints can change the outcome of a wreck. “Seatbelts save lives,” Reed said.
Indiana State Police continued to investigate the crash Friday. No final report had been released, and officials had not announced the blood draw results.
Author note: Last updated May 17, 2026.