Gary, Indiana (December 31, 2025) — A deadly early-morning crash on the Borman Expressway in northwest Indiana claimed the life of Dahlia Shakespeare-Sharpe, a 53-year-old woman from Roseville, Michigan, after her car collided with a semi-trailer truck that later overturned, according to Indiana State Police and the Lake County Coroner’s Office.
Incident Details: The fatal collision occurred in the westbound lanes of Interstate 80/94 near the Richard Gordon Hatcher Boulevard exit in Gary. Indiana State Police reported that a passenger vehicle driven by Shakespeare-Sharpe was involved in a crash with a semi-trailer truck during the early morning hours. The impact caused the semi to overturn, spilling its load and blocking multiple lanes of the expressway.
Shakespeare-Sharpe suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene at approximately 4:30 a.m., according to the Lake County Coroner. Authorities said she was the sole occupant of the car involved in the collision. The semi-trailer was reportedly carrying roughly 40,000 pounds of frozen food at the time of the crash. The truck driver was not injured.
The crash led to significant traffic disruptions, with the three left lanes of westbound I-80/94 fully blocked for several hours. All lanes eventually reopened by around 7:15 a.m., though traffic congestion persisted well beyond that time as crews worked to clear the wreckage and restore normal traffic flow.
Investigation: Indiana State Police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the fatal crash. In collisions involving passenger vehicles and large commercial trucks on high-speed interstates, investigators typically examine vehicle speeds, lane positioning, and whether either driver made an unsafe maneuver immediately before impact.
Investigators are expected to analyze physical evidence from the scene, including vehicle damage, debris fields, and the final resting positions of both the car and the overturned semi. Because the truck rolled over after the collision, crash reconstruction teams will likely assess how the load weight and shift may have contributed to the severity of the crash and whether the truck’s stability was compromised by braking or steering inputs.
The early-morning timing of the collision also raises questions about visibility, driver alertness, and traffic conditions at that hour. Investigators may review dash camera footage, onboard truck data, and any available traffic camera recordings to determine how the vehicles converged and whether either driver had sufficient time to avoid the collision.
Legal Considerations: Crashes involving semi-trailers often have devastating effects for smaller vehicle occupants due to size and weight disparities. When a commercial truck overturns, risks increase, affecting not only those involved but also other motorists. From a civil perspective, liability depends on whether the truck was operated safely, the driver followed regulations, and factors like speed, lane changes, or cargo securement contributed. Investigations also assess training, supervision, and safety practices within trucking operations.
Pending the outcome of the investigation, Dahlia’s surviving loved ones may consider pursuing a wrongful death claim to address funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and the long-term emotional and financial impact of losing a family member. While no legal action can undo the tragedy, accountability can play an essential role in acknowledging what occurred.
I extend my sincere condolences to the Shakespeare-Sharpe family and loved ones as they grieve this heartbreaking loss.
Source: CBS News Chicago