Indian student Navya Gadusu died after a late-night crash on Interstate 65 near Crown Point in Lake County, Indiana, a case that has drawn attention among Indian and Telugu communities in the United States.
The crash happened at about 11:15 PM CDT on Saturday, May 16, 2026, on northbound I-65 near the U.S. 231 exit in Crown Point, according to Indiana State Police details cited by Chicago media.
What Happened in the Navya Gadusu I-65 Crash
Police said a red minivan carrying seven adults was traveling in the right lane at an extremely low speed, about 10 to 15 mph, while following another vehicle that had mechanical problems.
The driver of a Chevrolet did not realize how slowly the minivan was moving and tried to swerve left, police said. The Chevrolet struck the rear-left side of the minivan, sending it off the roadway and into a ditch. The disabled vehicle being followed was not hit.
Seat-Restraint Details Under Investigation
Investigators said only the two front seats remained installed in the minivan. The remaining five passengers were seated on boxes of mangos and were not properly restrained, according to police details cited by local outlets.
Chicago media reported that four people were taken to hospitals with severe injuries, where one person later died. Indian media reports said six others were injured in the crash.
Who Was Navya Gadusu?
The Lake County Coroner’s Office identified the victim as Navya Gadusu, 25, of Chicago. She was pronounced dead at 12:16 AM CDT on Sunday, May 17, 2026, at Franciscan Health Crown Point. Officials said she died from blunt-force traumatic injuries sustained in the motor vehicle accident.
Gadusu was originally from Nalgonda district in Telangana, India, according to Indian media reports.
Indian Consulate Offers Support
The Indian Consulate General in Chicago expressed condolences and said it was in contact with Gadusu’s family, friends and community members assisting those injured in the crash.
Northbound I-65 was closed for about two hours after the crash while investigators worked at the scene. Authorities said the investigation remains ongoing. The case also highlights highway safety concerns involving slow-moving vehicles, passenger restraint use and shared travel among students and community groups in the United States.
