Hobart, IN Tragedy: Royce Sims, Artavius Sims and Raniah Simpson Killed in Devastating I-65 Crash
Royce Sims, Artavius Sims and Raniah Simpson were killed in a tragic I-65 crash in Hobart, Indiana, authorities said.
A devastating crash on Interstate 65 in Hobart, Indiana, has left multiple families grieving after three children lost their lives and another remains critically injured. Authorities identified the victims as 9-year-old Royce Sims, 5-year-old Artavius Sims, and 19-year-old Raniah Simpson. The tragedy has shaken the Gary and surrounding communities as investigators work to understand how the fatal collision unfolded in the early hours of Friday morning.
According to Indiana State Police, the crash happened shortly after midnight on May 15 along southbound I-65, about one mile south of Ridge Road. Investigators said a Ford Explorer carrying four juvenile passengers struck the rear of a disabled semi-tractor trailer that was parked on the right shoulder of the interstate. The impact was severe, causing catastrophic damage to the SUV and leaving emergency responders with a chaotic and heartbreaking scene.
Authorities confirmed that three of the children inside the vehicle died as a result of the collision, while a fourth child, 7-year-old Terrion, survived but remains in critical condition with life-threatening injuries. Officials said at least one of the victims was ejected during the crash, underscoring the violent force of the impact. The surviving child was airlifted to the University of Chicago Medical Center for urgent medical treatment.
The driver of the SUV, identified as 31-year-old Renee Foster of Gary, also sustained injuries and was transported to Franciscan Health Crown Point. Investigators said Foster told authorities she may have fallen asleep behind the wheel before the crash occurred. The driver of the semi-truck was not injured. As part of the investigation, both drivers consented to blood draws, and toxicology results are still pending.
State police have submitted multiple felony-related charges for review to the Lake County Prosecutor’s Office, including neglect of a dependent, reckless driving, driving while suspended, and child restraint violations. Officials emphasized that charges are still under review and have not yet been finalized in court. Foster is not currently in custody as she continues receiving medical treatment following the crash.
As news of the tragedy spread, it left families and communities struggling to process the scale of the loss. Royce Sims and Artavius Sims, both young children, are survived by their younger brother, Terrion, who remains hospitalized. The loss of 19-year-old Raniah Simpson alongside the younger victims has deepened the grief felt by loved ones who are now facing an unimaginable reality.
Indiana State Police said the investigation remains active as they continue reviewing physical evidence, crash reconstruction data, and toxicology results. Officials are working to determine the full sequence of events that led to the SUV striking a stationary semi-truck on the shoulder of the interstate during the overnight hours.
For the families involved, the crash has created a lasting void that cannot be easily described. As investigators continue their work, communities across Indiana are left reflecting on a tragedy that unfolded in a matter of seconds but will be felt for a lifetime. The focus now turns to recovery for the surviving child and support for families coping with overwhelming loss.