Valparaiso Resident Matthew Lowenthal Killed in Chesterton I-94 Collision

CHESTERTON, Indiana — A multi-vehicle crash on Interstate 94 in Porter County claimed the life of 19-year-old Valparaiso resident Matthew Lowenthal on the evening of Thursday, September 24, 2026. Emergency personnel and Indiana State Police troopers responded to the crash site on westbound I-94 near the 27.9-mile marker, approximately two miles east of the Chesterton exit, shortly after 8:10 p.m. First responders located Lowenthal at the scene, where he was pronounced deceased and official notification was made to his family.

A second motorcyclist involved in the incident sustained serious injuries after being struck by a passing vehicle while dismounting on the highway shoulder and was transported to a regional trauma center for emergency treatment. The driver of a 2024 Tesla also involved in the collision reported no physical injuries.

Official Status and Traffic Investigation

The Indiana State Police Crash Reconstruction Team is actively investigating the sequence of events leading up to the multi-vehicle incident. Preliminary reports indicate that two motorcycles were observed traveling westbound from the Michigan City area at high rates of speed prior to the impact. State troopers closed the westbound lanes of I-94 for several hours to process physical evidence, map vehicle trajectories, and secure the roadway. The official investigation remains ongoing.

Community Tributes and Family Support

News of Lowenthal’s tragic passing at age 19 has brought deep grief to his family, friends, and the broader Valparaiso and Chesterton communities. Loved ones remember him as a cherished young man whose life was cut tragically short. Formal details regarding funeral arrangements, public memorial services, or family support funds will be shared as decisions are finalized by his family.