A quiet stretch of Wallace Road in Hammond turned tragic last week when a 7-year-old girl was struck and killed by a vehicle in the 5900 block, according to the Lake County coroner. She was taken to Munster Community Hospital, where she was later pronounced dead. Hammond police and fire personnel responded to the scene, and the death has shaken families in northwest Indiana.
As reported by ABC7 Chicago, the Lake County Coroner's Office identified the girl as Kay'Lee Hawkins and said its staff responded to Munster Community Hospital just before 7:45 p.m. Wednesday after the child was pronounced. An autopsy performed Thursday showed she suffered multiple blunt-force injuries, the coroner said. Officials did not immediately provide additional information about what led up to the crash.
Funeral arrangements
Online funeral listings show Kay'Lee AnnaLise Nicole Hawkins was born Dec. 18, 2018, and died Jan. 21, 2026, with services being handled by Bocken Funeral Home. The funeral home's notice lists a visitation on Jan. 30 and a funeral service on Jan. 31, according to Echovita.
Pedestrian safety in Indiana
Pedestrian deaths remain a major safety challenge nationwide. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports 7,314 pedestrians were killed in 2023 and offers safety guidance for drivers and parents. NHTSA recommends measures like using crosswalks, slowing down in areas where people walk, and supervising children near busy roads to reduce these tragedies, especially for younger pedestrians.
The Hammond Police Department and Lake County Coroner's Office have not released further details and did not immediately say whether any charges would follow, ABC7 Chicago reported. We will update this story as officials provide more information.
