A tragic incident on Interstate 65 in northwest Indiana resulted in the death of a pedestrian over the weekend, according to Indiana State Police. The accident occurred late Sunday night and has left the local community in shock and mourning.

Troopers responded to the scene just before midnight on Sunday, where they found a multi-vehicle crash in the southbound lanes of I-65 at mile marker 254 in Lake County. The crash happened in an area marked by ongoing construction, which caused a multi-lane shift just about a mile north of U.S. 30. The scene was chaotic, with several vehicles involved and debris scattered across the roadway.

According to police reports, the incident began when the driver of a black 2005 Cadillac attempted to pull over. Due to the absence of an emergency shoulder, the vehicle was only partially stopped in the right lane. At the same time, a passing Ford Flex was traveling southbound and struck the Cadillac. The force of the collision caused the Ford Flex to collide with a concrete barrier wall, which then resulted in another crash involving a northbound vehicle and the barrier.

Tragically, during this sequence of events, a pedestrian was hit and killed at the scene. The Lake County Coroner’s Office later identified the victim as Anthony Drake, a 58-year-old man from Gary. The authorities confirmed that Drake was walking along the highway at the time of the accident and did not survive the impact.

Emergency responders arrived quickly but were unable to save Drake. The scene was secured, and the investigation into the crash is ongoing. Indiana State Police have not released specific details about whether the pedestrian was in the roadway intentionally or if he was attempting to cross, but they emphasize that the incident remains under investigation.

This tragedy highlights the dangers of walking near or along busy highways, especially in areas undergoing construction or with limited safety features for pedestrians. Authorities remind drivers to remain vigilant, particularly during nighttime hours and in construction zones, where visibility can be reduced, and road conditions may change unexpectedly.

The driver of the Ford Flex was not reported to have sustained serious injuries, but the full extent of any injuries or consequences is still being assessed as part of the ongoing investigation. No charges have been announced at this time, but authorities are working to determine the exact circumstances that led to the crash.

The loss of Anthony Drake has deeply affected his family, friends, and the local community. Many have expressed their condolences and shared memories of him, emphasizing his kindness and the impact he had on those around him. His passing is a stark reminder of the importance of road safety and the unpredictable nature of accidents on busy highways.

The Indiana State Police continue to investigate the incident, and they urge anyone who may have witnessed the crash or has relevant information to come forward. The accident serves as a somber reminder to all road users to exercise caution, especially during late-night hours and in areas with ongoing construction.

As the community mourns the loss of Anthony Drake, authorities are working diligently to piece together the events leading up to this tragic event and to prevent similar incidents in the future.