A devastating early-morning crash on the Borman Expressway in Gary, Indiana, claimed the life of a young Chicago woman on Sunday. The Lake County Coroner’s Office reported that investigators were called to the fatal scene at 1:56 a.m. along Interstate 80/94 near Cline Avenue, where they discovered a car destroyed by fire after slamming into a bridge support column.
First responders described a harrowing scene, with video footage showing the vehicle mangled and engulfed in flames at the base of the structure. Authorities confirmed that the crash involved only one car and that the driver, who was the sole occupant, did not survive. No other injuries were reported.
The victim has been identified as 23-year-old Faith Vandell Mitchell of Chicago. Her family confirmed her identity based on distinctive tattoos, though the coroner’s office said official confirmation will follow through dental records or DNA testing—a standard procedure in cases of severe trauma or fire damage. Authorities reported that Mitchell sustained multiple blunt-force injuries in addition to extensive burns. An autopsy is scheduled for Monday to determine her precise cause of death.
At this time, investigators have not determined what led to the violent crash. Police are examining whether excessive speed, driver fatigue, or possible mechanical failure may have contributed. No evidence has been released to suggest another vehicle was involved, and the case remains under active investigation.
Family members, heartbroken by the sudden loss, are now waiting for answers while mourning Mitchell’s passing. Loved ones describe her death as an unimaginable tragedy, one that cut short the life of a young woman with a future ahead of her. The crash underscores the dangers of late-night and early-morning driving, when visibility is reduced and reaction times may be slower.
Traffic on the southbound lanes of I-80/94 was briefly disrupted as emergency crews responded to the wreck, though the roadway has since reopened. Officials urge anyone who may have witnessed the crash to contact investigators as they continue to piece together the events leading up to the collision. For Mitchell’s family and the wider community, the tragedy stands as a painful reminder of how quickly lives can be lost on the road.