Natalia Chi
The Lake County coroner’s office has identified two people who died after a driver fleeing a minor crash on Interstate 65 near Crown Point caused a reverse collision, officials said.
The accident was reported around noon Saturday on the southbound lane of I-65 near Mile Marker 248, just one mile north of the U.S. Route 231 exit, Indiana State Police said. A preliminary investigation revealed that one of his vehicles, his black Chevrolet Equinox, was involved in a minor crash at a Family Express gas station on U.S. Route 231. The driver then fled the scene, entered the interstate, took a wrong turn, and was later hit by a car. vehicle, officials said.
A third vehicle hit the SUV after the crash, police said.
The deceased individuals were identified as Ari Sebastian, 28, of Crown Point and William Steppe, 48, of Wheatfield, the coroner’s office said.
Authorities have not revealed who the wrong driver was. Autopsies on both individuals are scheduled for Monday.
A third driver suffered non-life-threatening injuries, officials said.
