CROWN POINT, INDIANA — A devastating car crash in northwest Indiana has left a community mourning the loss of 18-year-old Saelor Guistolisi, who was tragically killed in a suspected road rage incident over the weekend. Authorities say the driver, 18-year-old Austin Thornton, has been charged with multiple felonies including operating while intoxicated causing death.
The crash occurred Saturday when Thornton’s pickup truck reportedly attempted to overtake another vehicle in a no-passing zone. Witnesses told police that Thornton had become enraged after being passed by another car, leading to a dangerous maneuver on a curved stretch of road. The vehicle lost control, and Guistolisi, a passenger, was ejected from the truck.
Remembering Saelor Guistolisi
Guistolisi had just graduated from high school and was described by loved ones as someone whose “smile could stop you in your tracks.” A GoFundMe page organized by family and friends has raised over $12,000 to support her funeral expenses. Her father, Robert Guistolisi, and sister Brooklin remembered her as “the most beautiful and kind person you could ever meet.”
“The world is a lot less bright without her in it,” the family said in a statement.
According to the Porter County Coroner’s Office, Guistolisi died from blunt force trauma to the head and was pronounced dead at the hospital shortly after the crash.
Driver Allegedly Intoxicated, Now in Custody
Police say Thornton exhibited signs of intoxication at the crash scene, including glassy and bloodshot eyes. He initially refused a chemical test, prompting authorities to obtain a warrant for a blood draw. The results of that test have not been made public as of Monday.
Thornton is currently being held in Porter County Jail and is scheduled to appear before Porter Circuit Court Judge Rebecca Buitendorp on Tuesday. Prosecutors have filed multiple felony charges, underscoring the seriousness of the allegations.
A Community in Grief
The tragic loss has shaken Crown Point residents, where Guistolisi was known for her vibrant energy and kindness. The crash has sparked renewed conversations about the dangers of reckless and impaired driving, especially among young people.
Community members have left tributes and flowers near the site of the crash, and local leaders have called for increased education and outreach to prevent similar tragedies.
Legal and Emotional Fallout
As Thornton prepares to face the legal consequences of his actions, Guistolisi’s family continues to process the sudden loss of a daughter, sister, and friend whose life was just beginning.
The felony charges against Thornton could carry significant prison time if he is convicted. The Porter County Prosecutor’s Office has not released further details about potential sentencing.
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