Royce Sims, Vehicle Accident, Artavius Sims, 5, of Chicago, and Raniah Simpson, 19, of Chicago: Family And Friends Mourns Tragic Loss
Authorities identified the victims as 9-year-old Royce Sims, 5-year-old Artavius Sims, and 19-year-old Raniah Simpson. A fourth child, 7-year-old Terrion, survived the crash but remains in critical condition as loved ones continue praying for his recovery.
According to Indiana State Police, the crash occurred shortly after midnight on May 15, 2026, about one mile south of Ridge Road on southbound I-65. Investigators said Renee Foster, 31, of Gary, Indiana, was driving a Ford Explorer when the SUV struck the rear of a disabled semi-tractor trailer parked along the right shoulder of the highway.
Officials stated the Explorer hit the semi at a high rate of speed, causing catastrophic damage to the SUV. Emergency responders arrived to find a heartbreaking scene. Three passengers died from injuries sustained in the crash, and one victim was reportedly ejected during the impact. Terrion was airlifted to the University of Chicago Medical Center with life-threatening injuries.
Renee Foster suffered upper-body injuries and was transported to Franciscan Health Crown Point for treatment. Authorities said the driver of the semi-truck was not injured.
Police reported that Foster allegedly told investigators she had fallen asleep before the crash occurred. Authorities also stated that alcohol is believed to be a possible factor, though toxicology results remain pending. Both Foster and the semi-truck driver agreed to blood draws as part of the investigation.
The tragedy has left loved ones overwhelmed with grief and heartbreak. Royce Sims was only 9 years old, while Artavius Sims was just 5. Raniah Simpson, at 19, was still at the beginning of adulthood, with so much life ahead of her. Their sudden deaths have devastated family members who are now forced to mourn unimaginable losses while also remaining focused on Terrion’s fight for survival.
Investigators have submitted recommended charges to the Lake County Prosecutor’s Office, including counts related to neglect of a dependent, reckless driving, driving while suspended, and child restraint violations. Reports also stated that the children were allegedly not secured in seatbelts or car seats at the time of the collision, a detail that has added another painful dimension to the tragedy.
Communities across Chicago, Gary, and northwest Indiana continue mourning the loss of the three victims as friends, relatives, and neighbors struggle to process how quickly lives were forever changed. Fatal crashes involving children carry a unique heartbreak, leaving families not only grieving the present loss but also the futures that will never be lived.
As investigations continue and legal proceedings move forward, loved ones are holding tightly to memories of Royce, Artavius, and Raniah — their smiles, voices, personalities, and the joy they brought into the lives of others. Though their lives ended far too soon, those who loved them hope their memories will continue to live on in the hearts of everyone who knew and cherished them.