HOBART, Indiana.- Royce Sims, 9, Artavius Sims, 5, and Raniah Simpson, 19, were killed early Friday, May 15, 2026, in a devastating crash on southbound I 65 in Hobart, Indiana. A fourth child, 7 year old Terrion, survived but remains critically injured.

The crash happened shortly after midnight, about one mile south of Ridge Road. Indiana State Police said Renee Foster, 31, of Gary, was driving a Ford Explorer southbound when the SUV struck the rear of a disabled semi tractor trailer parked on the right shoulder. NBC Chicago reported that the Lake County Coroner’s Office identified Raniah Simpson, Royce Sims and Artavius Sims as Chicago residents.

The Crash

Investigators said the Explorer hit the semi at a high rate of speed. The impact caused severe damage to the SUV.

Three passengers died from the crash. One victim was ejected. Terrion was airlifted to the University of Chicago Medical Center with potentially life threatening injuries.

Renee Foster suffered upper body injuries and was taken to Franciscan Health Crown Point. The semi truck driver was not injured.

Police said Renee Foster told investigators she had fallen asleep before the crash. NBC Chicago also reported that alcohol is believed to be a factor, while toxicology results remain pending. Both Renee Foster and the semi truck driver agreed to blood draws after the crash.

The Victims

Royce Sims was only 9 years old. Artavius Sims was only 5. Raniah Simpson was 19.

Their deaths have left their families facing a loss that no family should have to carry. Royce and Artavius also leave behind their younger brother, Terrion, who is still fighting for his life.

The crash has placed Renee Foster and Michelle Foster in a painful position of grief, fear and legal aftermath. They are mourning children while also waiting for answers about Terrion’s condition and the full findings from investigators.

The Investigation

Indiana State Police submitted recommended charges to the Lake County Prosecutor’s Office for review. Those include four counts of neglect of a dependent as Level 5 felonies, reckless driving as a Class A misdemeanor, driving while suspended as a Class C misdemeanor and four child restraint violations.

NBC Chicago reported that police said the children in the SUV were not restrained in seatbelts or car seats. Fire officials used the tragedy to remind families that child restraints and seatbelts save lives.

Renee Foster was not in custody at the time of the police update because she was receiving medical care. She is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

Road conditions, weather, vehicle condition, toxicology findings, speed analysis and restraint use are all expected to remain part of the ongoing review.

The Community in Mourning

The deaths of Royce Sims, Artavius Sims and Raniah Simpson have shaken families in Chicago, Gary and northwest Indiana.

A crash involving children carries a different kind of pain. It leaves relatives asking how an ordinary drive became a tragedy within seconds. It leaves classmates, neighbours and loved ones trying to understand why three young lives ended on a highway shoulder in the middle of the night.

For Terrion, the focus now is survival and healing. For the families, the days ahead will bring hospital visits, funeral planning, court updates and grief that will not fade quickly.

Holding Onto Memories

Royce Sims, Artavius Sims and Raniah Simpson deserve to be remembered as people, not only as victims in a crash report.

Royce was a child with years still ahead of him. Artavius was just beginning life. Raniah was 19, still young, still growing, still meant to have more time.

Their loved ones will remember their voices, their habits, their smiles and the everyday moments that now mean everything.

The investigation will continue. The court process will take its course. But the loss is already permanent.

Rest in peace, Royce Sims, Artavius Sims, and Raniah Simpson. You were loved. You will be missed. And your memory will live on in the hearts of everyone who knew you. Gone too soon, forever remembered.