A Saturday crash involving a wrong-way driver on Interstate 65 near Hobart killed a 20-year-old Hobart woman, according to the Indiana State Police. The 29-year-old Hebron motorist driving the wrong way was listed in critical condition after she was extricated by Hobart firefighters and airlifted to a Chicago hospital. State police and the Lake County Coroner’s office said Rylee Hanson died at the scene and her female passenger was taken to St. Mary Medical Center for treatment. Hanson worked as an EMT for Superior Ambulance in Merrillville. Police said the Hebron motorist was traveling southbound in the northbound lanes of I-65 in a silver 2022 Toyota. Hughes’ Toyota struck Hanson’s 2016 Ford head-on near 61st Avenue about 1:50 a.m. State troopers made observations of the driver that led investigators to believe she was impaired, police said. The Post-Tribune is not naming the driver because no charges have been filed at this time. The investigation remains ongoing, pending further review and consultation with the Lake County Prosecutor’s office, according to state police. The Lake County coroner’s office said an autopsy will be done Monday. It listed the manner of death as pending but cited blunt force trauma as a preliminary cause. A toxicology report is also pending. Police requested anyone with dash-cam footage of the crash or the vehicles before the crash to contact Trooper Caleb Somerville at 219-696-6242. “Our hearts are heavy, and our thoughts and prayers are with the family and loved ones of the individual who lost their life, as well as all those affected by this devastating incident,” the Hobart Fire Department said in a post. In another social media post, Jasper County EMS said Hanson graduated from Kankakee Valley High School in 2024 and was a member of its emergency medical technician program. She lived in DeMotte until a recent move to Hobart. “Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with Rylee’s family, friends, classmates, and all who had the privilege of knowing and learning alongside her. “Those who choose a path in EMS do so with a heart for helping others — a commitment to compassion, service, and community. Rylee’s dedication to that calling will always be remembered,” said the Jasper County post. Carole Carlson is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune. ...read more read less