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The communities of Hobart and DeMotte are mourning the heartbreaking loss of 20-year-old Rylee Hanson, whose life was tragically cut short in a devastating early morning crash in Lake County. Her sudden passing has left family members, friends, and neighbors in profound grief as they struggle to comprehend the loss of a young woman whose future was filled with promise and possibility.

According to Indiana State Police, troopers responded at approximately 1:50 a.m. to a two-vehicle collision on Interstate 65 near the 256.4 mile-marker in the northbound lanes, just north of 61st Avenue. Preliminary findings indicate the crash involved a wrong-way driver traveling southbound in the northbound lanes, resulting in a head-on collision.

Investigators reported that a silver 2022 Toyota traveling in the wrong direction struck a black 2016 Ford head-on. The driver of the Toyota, identified as 29-year-old Jessica Hughes of Hebron, Indiana, had to be extricated from her vehicle by local fire personnel. Due to the severity of her injuries, she was airlifted to a hospital in Chicago, where she remains in critical condition. Authorities noted observations at the scene that suggest impairment may have been a contributing factor.

Rylee Hanson was driving the Ford northbound in the far-left lane at the time of the crash. She was pronounced deceased at the scene by the Lake County Coroner. A female passenger in her vehicle sustained serious injuries and was transported to St. Mary’s Hospital for treatment.

The interstate was temporarily shut down in both directions to allow a medical helicopter to land and to enable investigators to process the scene. All lanes have since reopened. The investigation remains ongoing, and no charges have been filed pending further review and consultation with the Lake County Prosecutor’s Office. Authorities have asked anyone with dash-cam footage of the crash or the vehicles prior to the collision to come forward to assist with the investigation.

While the circumstances surrounding the crash continue to be examined, those who knew Rylee remember her for the warmth and light she brought into the world. She is described as kind, compassionate, and determined — someone whose smile could brighten any room and whose genuine care for others made people feel valued and loved.

Family members remember Rylee as a devoted daughter, relative, and friend whose presence brought comfort and joy. She carried dreams and aspirations for the future, and her sudden loss leaves an immeasurable void in the hearts of those who cherished her.

Though her life was tragically brief, Rylee Hanson’s memory will live on through the lives she touched, the friendships she nurtured, and the love she shared. As her community comes together in support and remembrance, her spirit endures in the countless memories that will forever be treasured.

Rest in peace, Rylee Hanson. You will be remembered always and missed beyond words.

Teen Arrested in Connection With Deaths of Mother and Son in Scottsville

SCOTTSVILLE, Ky. — A 17-year-old male has been charged with murder after a woman and her 12-year-old son were found dead inside their Allen County home, according to the Kentucky State Police.

Trooper Katan Parker said law enforcement responded Wednesday night to a residence in the Scottsville area for a death investigation. When officers arrived, they discovered 42-year-old Traci Trasky and her young son deceased inside the house.

Authorities also reported that Trasky’s vehicle was missing from the property. The car was later recovered abandoned in a nearby neighborhood.

Local and county agencies used a drone to assist in searching the surrounding area. During the search, officers located an individual running through nearby woods. After attempting to flee, the suspect — identified only as a 17-year-old — was apprehended.

Following further investigation, including interviews and evidence collection, the teenager was arrested and charged with murder, tampering with physical evidence, and theft.

Officials have not released details regarding the cause of death or the relationship between the suspect and the victims. The case remains under active investigation.

Teen Arrested in Connection With Deaths of Mother and Son in Scottsville

SCOTTSVILLE, Ky. — A 17-year-old male has been charged with murder after a woman and her 12-year-old son were found dead inside their Allen County home, according to the Kentucky State Police.

Trooper Katan Parker said law enforcement responded Wednesday night to a residence in the Scottsville area for a death investigation. When officers arrived, they discovered 42-year-old Traci Trasky and her young son deceased inside the house.

Authorities also reported that Trasky’s vehicle was missing from the property. The car was later recovered abandoned in a nearby neighborhood.

Local and county agencies used a drone to assist in searching the surrounding area. During the search, officers located an individual running through nearby woods. After attempting to flee, the suspect — identified only as a 17-year-old — was apprehended.

Following further investigation, including interviews and evidence collection, the teenager was arrested and charged with murder, tampering with physical evidence, and theft.

Officials have not released details regarding the cause of death or the relationship between the suspect and the victims. The case remains under active investigation.

Buffalo Police Officer, Lance Woods, Charged with Second-Degree Murder of Alexis Skoczylas in Niagara County

A Buffalo police officer has been arrested and charged with second-degree murder following the death of a woman found inside a home Saturday.

According to the Lewiston Police Department, officers conducted a welfare check at a residence on Buffalo Street in Sanborn. Upon arrival, they discovered 35-year-old Alexis Skoczylas deceased inside the home.

Authorities arrested 53-year-old Lance Woods, identified as an officer with the Buffalo Police Department. Woods has been charged with one count of second-degree murder and is currently being held at the Niagara County Jail pending arraignment.

In a statement posted to social media, the Buffalo Police Department noted that Woods was promoted to the rank of detective in 2017.

Officials have not released additional details regarding the circumstances surrounding the incident. The investigation remains ongoing.

Perez Stegall Reportedly Killed in Union City Shooting; Investigation Ongoing

The Union City community is mourning following a deadly shooting on Clayburn Street that authorities are investigating as a homicide.

According to initial reports, officers with the Union City Police Department responded to a shooting scene in the area of Clayburn Street. Details remain limited at this time, but the incident appears to have resulted in at least one fatality.

While authorities have not yet officially released the victim’s name, multiple social media posts from family and friends identify the victim as Perez Stegall. Loved ones have flooded Facebook with tributes, expressing shock and heartbreak over his sudden passing.

“Gone too soon. Love you cuz,” one family member wrote.
“Rest well, dawg,” another friend posted, sharing their grief publicly.

Police have not confirmed information regarding a suspect or what may have led to the shooting. Investigators are actively working the scene and gathering evidence. Officials say they are continuing efforts to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.

We are working to obtain an official statement from the Union City Police Department regarding the identity of the victim, possible suspects, and whether anyone has been taken into custody.

Anyone with information related to the shooting is encouraged to contact the Union City Police Department.

This is a developing story. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available.

Missing Tandragee Man Gareth Johnston Found Dead After Search

A missing Tandragee man who failed to return home after traveling to Dublin for work has been found dead, his family has confirmed.

Thirty-three-year-old Gareth Johnston, also known as Gareth James, was last seen in the Portadown area on Sunday, February 8, at approximately 10 a.m., according to police.

Family members said Gareth left his home that morning telling them he was heading to Dublin for work and would return Tuesday afternoon. When he did not come home and could not be contacted, his loved ones raised the alarm and issued an emotional public appeal for information.

His sister, Nicola, described his disappearance as “completely out of character” and said the family was “extremely worried.”

Police described Gareth as 5 feet 8 inches tall, of stocky build and bald. He was last seen wearing a blue coat, blue jeans, brown boots, and a grey flat cap, and carrying a large black Adidas holdall.

In an update shared with the community, the family confirmed Gareth had been found deceased.

“It is with a broken heart I must report that Gareth has been found dead,” a family statement read. “Initial facts indicate a possible seizure. He apparently looked at peace.”

The family thanked members of the public for their assistance in the search and said funeral details will be announced in the coming days.

Police have not released additional details at this time.

18-Year-Old Killed, Two Injured After Car Crashes Into Pond in Wicomico County

An 18-year-old Rockville man was killed and two other teens were injured following a single-vehicle crash Wednesday night in Wicomico County, according to Maryland State Police.

Troopers said the crash occurred around 8:41 p.m. at the intersection of South Division Street and Coulbourn Mill Road.

The victim has been identified as Matthew Garcia, 18, of Rockville. Investigators believe Garcia was driving a Honda Civic at the time of the crash. He was flown by the Maryland State Police Aviation Command to a trauma center, where he was later pronounced dead.

Two 18-year-old passengers were also in the vehicle. One was airlifted to a shock trauma center for treatment of injuries, while the other was transported by ambulance to a local hospital. Authorities have not released updates on their conditions.

How the Crash Happened

According to a preliminary investigation, the Honda Civic was traveling on South Division Street when it failed to stop at a posted stop sign and entered the intersection. Police say the driver attempted to steer through the turn and continued westbound before striking the top of a guardrail and coming to rest in Coulbourn Mill Pond.

Investigators believe speeding may have been a contributing factor.

Road Closures and Investigation

Roadways in the area were closed for more than four hours while emergency crews responded and investigators processed the scene.

Officers from the Fruitland Police Department responded to the crash, and troopers from the Maryland State Police Salisbury Barrack assisted. At the request of Fruitland Police, the Maryland State Police Crash Team is leading the ongoing investigation.