TikToker Tea Tyme arrested for allegedly killing pedestrian during livestream
A popular American TikTok creator known as Tea Tyme has been arrested in connection with a fatal crash that occurred while she was allegedly livestreaming and driving, resulting in the death of a pedestrian. The arrest was made on December 23, 2025, in Zion, Illinois, nearly two months after the incident took place on November 3. Law enforcement officials say the tragic event unfolded when Tea Tyme, whose real name is Tynesha McCarty-Wroten, was driving through an intersection while broadcasting live on TikTok and struck 59-year-old Darren Lucas, who was crossing the road at the time. Police say the livestream video captured a loud impact followed by McCarty-Wroten’s reaction, and a child in the vehicle can be heard before the stream ended.
Authorities charged McCarty-Wroten, 43, with two felony offences related to the crash, including reckless homicide and aggravated use of a communications device resulting in death. Police allege that Lucas had the right of way at the intersection, and surveillance footage contradicts McCarty-Wroten’s initial claim that she had a green light when the collision occurred. The discovery of the livestream evidence, which was verified through forensic analysis of McCarty-Wroten’s phone and video recordings, played a significant role in securing the charges.
Following the crash, McCarty-Wroten remained at the scene and cooperated with first responders, calling 911 after the collision. Lucas was rushed to a nearby hospital but later died from his injuries. In the days after the incident, she generated public outrage by hosting another livestream in which she asked viewers for donations via Cash App to support what she called her “mental leave.” The victim’s family has since launched a fundraiser to support Lucas’s widow, and his son-in-law expressed relief that charges were finally brought.
The case has attracted widespread attention online and in the media as an example of the dangers of distracted driving, especially when combined with social media livestreaming, which is prohibited on TikTok. McCarty-Wroten remains in custody as legal proceedings continue.
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