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Merrillville Today
By the People, for the People
20-Year-Old EMT Killed in Wrong-Way Crash with Suspected Impaired Driver
Authorities say the crash occurred on Interstate 65 in Indiana
Published on Feb. 23, 2026
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A 20-year-old woman named Rylee Hanson, an EMT, was killed in a wrong-way crash on Interstate 65 in Indiana. Police say a 29-year-old woman driving a Toyota was traveling southbound in the northbound lanes when she crashed head-on into Hanson's Ford vehicle. The Toyota driver was airlifted to a hospital in Chicago and is suspected of being impaired at the time of the crash.
Why it matters
This tragic incident highlights the dangers of impaired driving and the devastating impact it can have on innocent lives. As an EMT, Rylee Hanson had dedicated herself to helping others, making her death all the more heartbreaking. The crash also raises questions about road safety and whether more can be done to prevent wrong-way driving accidents.
The details
According to authorities, the crash occurred around 1:50 a.m. local time on Saturday, February 21. The 29-year-old Toyota driver was traveling southbound in the northbound lanes when she collided head-on with Hanson's Ford vehicle. Hanson was pronounced dead at the scene, while the Toyota driver was airlifted to a hospital in Chicago. Police say they made observations that led them to believe the Toyota driver was impaired at the time of the crash. A passenger from Hanson's Ford vehicle also suffered serious injuries.
- The crash occurred around 1:50 a.m. local time on Saturday, February 21, 2026.
- Rylee Hanson was pronounced dead at the scene.
The players
Rylee Hanson
A 20-year-old EMT who was killed in the crash. Hanson was a member of the Jasper County EMS Class of 2024 and worked for Superior Ambulance in Merrillville, Indiana.
29-year-old woman
The driver of the Toyota who was traveling southbound in the northbound lanes of Interstate 65 and collided head-on with Hanson's vehicle. She was airlifted to a hospital in Chicago and is suspected of being impaired at the time of the crash.
What they’re saying
“'Rylee's dedication to that calling will always be remembered,'”
— Jasper County EMS (social media post)
“'Upon arrival, A-turn crews encountered extensive damage to both vehicles with airbag deployment and immediately began life-saving operations,'”
— Hobart Fire Department (social media post)
What’s next
The investigation into the crash is ongoing, and no charges have been filed yet. Authorities are awaiting the results of toxicology tests on the Toyota driver to determine if she was impaired at the time of the crash.
The takeaway
This tragic incident serves as a sobering reminder of the devastating consequences of impaired driving. As a community, we must continue to raise awareness about the dangers of drunk and drugged driving and work together to find solutions that protect innocent lives on our roads.
