A prominent TikTok personality is in custody following a tragic incident where she allegedly hit and killed a pedestrian while broadcasting live from behind the wheel. The case has ignited widespread discussion about distracted driving and social media responsibility.
Charges Filed Following Investigation
Tynesha McCarty-Wroten, known online as "Tea Tyme," was arrested on December 23 in connection with a fatal collision that occurred on November 3 in Zion, Illinois. The Zion Police Department confirmed the arrest, stating she faces charges of reckless homicide and aggravated use of an electronic communication device.
The victim was identified as Darren Lucas, 59. According to authorities, Lucas was walking to catch a bus home after his shift at a local grocery store when he was struck. Police reports indicate that security camera footage from nearby businesses contradicted the driver's initial statement; McCarty-Wroten allegedly told officers she had a green light, but the footage reportedly showed the light was red when she proceeded through the intersection.
Livestream Captured the Moment of Impact
The investigation gained momentum when, in the days following the crash, multiple members of the public alerted police to a TikTok video. The livestream allegedly showed McCarty-Wroten driving at the exact time of the incident.
Police stated that while the driver remained at the scene and cooperated initially, she declined to allow investigators to search her cellphone. She later surrendered the device. A forensic analysis allegedly confirmed the video was recorded at the date and time of the fatal crash.
A recording of the broadcast, which circulated online, captured the disturbing moment. A loud thud is heard while Tea Tyme is speaking into her phone, followed by her exclaiming, "F—, f—, f— … I just hit somebody." The livestream ended shortly after, with voices of a child and another passenger heard in the vehicle.
Outrage Over Post-Crash Livestream
Public reaction intensified following reports that days after Lucas's death, McCarty-Wroten hosted another livestream. During this broadcast, she reportedly solicited donations via Cash App, stating the funds were to support her taking "mental leave" from content creation. This action sparked significant outrage online.
Following the backlash, her social media accounts were made private. At the time of her arrest on Tuesday, police noted she was seen attempting to leave her home with several packed bags.
The case remains a stark reminder of the deadly consequences of distracted driving and the complex ethical landscape surrounding real-time content creation. The legal proceedings against Tynesha McCarty-Wroten are ongoing.
