UPDATE: A woman in Zion, Illinois, has been charged with reckless homicide following a tragic crash that claimed the life of a 59-year-old pedestrian. Authorities report that Tynesha McCarty-Wroten, 43, was livestreaming on TikTok at the time of the incident on November 3, 2023, around 5:46 p.m. This shocking development raises urgent questions about distracted driving and social media practices.
The victim, identified as Darren Lucas, was walking home after finishing his shift at a grocery store when he was struck at the intersection of Sheridan Road and 33rd Street. Eyewitness reports indicate he was attempting to cross the street when McCarty-Wroten’s vehicle collided with him while she was allegedly running a red light.
Police confirmed that surveillance footage corroborates the claim, showing McCarty-Wroten did not slow down before the impact. She remained at the scene and initially claimed she had a green light, stating she did not see Lucas until it was too late.
After the incident, McCarty-Wroten voluntarily surrendered her phone, and forensic analysis revealed that the livestream occurred at the exact time of the crash, deepening the investigation’s severity. The Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office has since charged her not only with reckless homicide but also with the aggravated use of an electronic communication device while driving.
Police have stated that they are following up on leads regarding the validity of the TikTok video, which has drawn significant attention online. McCarty-Wroten was taken into custody without incident and is currently being held at the Lake County Jail, with bail set at $1 million. Her first court appearance is anticipated soon.
The Zion Police Department expressed their condolences, highlighting the preventability of such tragedies. “It is our hope that all who read this are starkly reminded to put down the phone when driving; lives very literally depend on it,” a police spokesperson said in an official release.
This incident underscores a growing concern about the dangers of distracted driving, especially with the increasing prevalence of livestreaming on social media platforms. As details continue to unfold, community members are urged to reflect on the critical importance of road safety and the consequences of negligence behind the wheel.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.
