Hammond, Lake County—Today, shortly after 6:08 p.m., a one vehicle crash claimed the life of a forty two year old woman from Hammond. She was killed when she failed to negotiate the curve on the I-80 east bound to north bound Kennedy Avenue ramp and rolled her vehicle.
Preliminary investigation by Trooper Eric Rot revealed that a 2005 Toyota Corolla was east bound on I-80 when witnesses stated that the vehicle was driving erratically and at a high rate of speed. The vehicle exited to the north bound Kennedy Avenue ramp when it failed to negotiate the curve and continued straight. The Toyota went off the roadway and rolled coming to rest on its top (roof) submerged in waist deep water in a retention pond that is located just south of the ramp. Trooper Rot arrived shortly thereafter and he and some Good Samaritans were able to roll the Toyota onto its side. Rot was able to release the driver, later identified as Trina Harrell, 42 of Hammond, from her seat belt and he and Hammond Police Officer Elkmann carried her to dry land. A Hammond Police Officer started CPR on Harrell until an ambulance arrived.
Harrell was taken to Munster Community Hospital where she was pronounced dead.
The ramp was closed for the removal of Harrell, the Toyota, and reconstruction of the crash.
Family has been notified.
Agencies assisting: Hammond Police Department, Hammond Fire and EMS, Lake County Sheriff Department, and Indiana Department of Transportation Hoosier Helpers
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**** Pictures are of the Toyota after it was rolled onto its side
All Suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
