A social media influencer has been taken into custody by police in the United States after allegedly striking and killing a pedestrian while broadcasting herself driving live on TikTok.
Charges Filed Following Deadly November Collision
Tynesha McCarty-Wroten, a 43-year-old resident of Zion, Illinois, now faces serious charges including reckless homicide and aggravated use of a communication device causing death. The incident, which occurred on the evening of November 3, resulted in the death of Darren Lucas, a 59-year-old man from Beach Park.
According to reports from NBC 5 Chicago, Lucas was walking home after his shift at a grocery store when he attempted to cross a street. He was hit by a Ford Edge, driven by McCarty-Wroten. The driver reportedly told authorities she believed she had a green light, but surveillance footage appears to contradict this, showing her vehicle proceeding through a red light.
Police Investigation Uncovers Livestream Evidence
Law enforcement officials confirmed they received multiple reports about a TikTok video that allegedly showed McCarty-Wroten livestreaming herself driving at the precise time of the collision. The account, known as Tea_Tyme_3 on the platform, could not be located on Thursday following the arrest.
"The video was preserved and verified through extensive investigation, including the execution of multiple search warrants and analysis of electronic data," police stated. McCarty-Wroten was subsequently transported to the Lake County Jail. Details regarding her legal representation remain unclear at this time.
Community Mourns and Highlights Broader Danger
The victim's family has been left devastated. A GoFundMe page set up by his son-in-law, Chris King, has raised over $3,000 to support Lucas's widow. "He leaves behind a wife without her everything," King wrote. Speaking after the arrest, King added, "Our grieving will last forever, but seeing justice starting to happen helps."
This tragic event underscores a persistent and deadly national issue. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, nearly 3,300 people lost their lives in distracted driving incidents during 2023 alone. Using a mobile phone while driving represents one of the most hazardous forms of distraction. The administration notes that reading or sending a text can divert a driver's attention for five seconds—at 55 mph, equivalent to driving the length of a football field blindfolded.
