Authorities in Illinois have launched an investigation into a tragic incident where a woman allegedly hit and killed a pedestrian while she was livestreaming on social media. This unfortunate event unfolded in the community of Zion on November 3, when the 43-year-old woman’s vehicle struck 59-year-old Darren Lucas. Sadly, Lucas succumbed to his injuries.
After the accident, the driver took immediate action by calling 911 and remaining at the scene to cooperate with law enforcement officers, as reported by WFLD. It has surfaced that the Zion police are examining a video that potentially captures the woman livestreaming on TikTok at the time of the accident. The footage reportedly includes audio of the woman expressing distress with explicit language after the collision, followed by a child’s voice asking about the incident, before the livestream abruptly ended.
Police investigations currently indicate that the tragic crash was not influenced by drugs or alcohol, according to information from the Lake & McHenry County Scanner.
In the wake of the accident, the TikTok user, previously known by the handle Tea_Tyme_3, has taken steps to privatize her account and alter her username. Despite this, The Root has noted that she continued to engage with her audience, sharing updates and stating that she would pause her livestreams as she was not mentally prepared to resume them.
@live.catch.up WHOA!!! Teatyme went live Monday while driving and HIT a pedestrian?! There are more rumors but for now we are hoping it’s not true & everyone is going to be okay. GET OFF YOUR PHONES WHILE DRIVING PEOPLE!!!! #teatyme #LiveCatchUp #tiktoklive #crash ♬ original sound – Live Catch Ups
According to the Lake & McHenry County Scanner, police do not believe drugs or alcohol were involved in the deadly collision.
The TikTok user, formerly known as Tea_Tyme_3, privated the account and changed the handle. However, The Root reported that the woman continued to post content. That content included letting her followers know that she would not be hosting livestreams, as “my mind isn’t in full capacity.”
At some point, the woman allegedly also took to TikTok to ask for CashApp donations — sparking outrage amongst her followers.
“My Cash App up there if y’all wanna support while I’m on mental leave,” she reportedly said. “I will be OK. I am taking things one day at a time. I’m good, you guys.”
The Lake & McHenry County Scanner reported that Lucas was killed across the street from his job. An autopsy confirmed he died of blunt force trauma.
Criminal charges have not been announced in this case. However, Zion police’s investigation is ongoing and laboratory results are pending.
[Feature Photo: TikTok]
