The Crown Point, Indiana community is mourning the heartbreaking loss of 25-year-old Navya Gadusu, a Chicago resident originally from Cheruvugattu village in India’s Nalgonda district, who died following a tragic two-vehicle crash Saturday night on Interstate 65. Family members, friends, and loved ones are now left grieving a sudden loss that has deeply shaken two communities across continents.
According to Indiana State Police, the crash occurred at approximately 11:15 p.m. on northbound I-65, about one mile south of the Crown Point exit. Investigators reported that a red 2016 Dodge minivan carrying seven occupants was traveling slowly in the right lane at about 10 to 15 miles per hour while following another vehicle experiencing mechanical issues. Authorities said a 2015 Chevrolet Suburban approaching from behind did not initially recognize how slowly the minivan was moving.
Officials stated that the driver of the Suburban attempted to avoid a collision by swerving left, but the vehicle still struck the rear-left side of the minivan. The impact forced the minivan off the roadway and into a ditch, causing significant injuries to several passengers. Investigators confirmed that two front-seat occupants were not injured and remained inside the vehicle, while five passengers seated in the rear were not wearing seatbelts and suffered serious injuries.
Emergency responders arrived quickly and transported all injured passengers to nearby hospitals for treatment. Despite medical efforts, Navya Gadusu—one of the critically injured passengers—later died at the hospital due to the severity of her injuries. Her death has left her family and friends devastated as they struggle to process the sudden and painful loss of a young woman remembered for her ambition, warmth, and bright future.
Authorities also confirmed that the vehicle the minivan was following was not involved in the crash. Northbound lanes of I-65 were closed for approximately two hours as investigators documented the scene, cleared debris, and reconstructed the events that led to the collision. Indiana State Police continue to review all factors as part of an ongoing investigation.
As news of the tragedy spreads, loved ones are remembering Navya Gadusu as a driven and promising young woman whose life was cut far too short. Her passing has left a deep void in the hearts of family, friends, and all who knew her, while both the local and international community mourn together in grief and remembrance.
