A social media creator accused of fatally striking a pedestrian while livestreaming as she drove through a Chicago suburb has been arrested, authorities in the United States said.
The accused, Tynesha McCarty-Wroten, widely known online as “Tea Tyme”, was arrested on Tuesday in connection with the November 3 death of 59-year-old Darren Lucas, according to the Zion Police Department.
Fatal crash in Illinois suburb
Police said Lucas was walking at an intersection in Zion, near his hometown of Beach Park, when he was struck by a vehicle and left unconscious on the road. He was later declared dead at a hospital emergency room due to blunt force injuries.
McCarty-Wroten, 43, initially remained at the scene and cooperated with investigators. She was not charged immediately after the incident.
Livestream footage raises alarms
Investigators later turned their focus to McCarty-Wroten after becoming aware of a screen-recorded TikTok livestream linked to her account. The video allegedly shows her speaking to her phone moments before a loud thud is heard, followed by her exclaiming that she had hit someone.
The livestream ended abruptly, with voices in the car — including a child — reacting to the incident. The TikTok account was later made private, and identifying details were removed.
Serious charges filed
Local jail records show McCarty-Wroten now faces felony charges of reckless homicide and aggravated use of a communications device resulting in death.
Lucas’s son-in-law, Chris King, said the family had been informed of the arrest by prosecutors. “The family and myself are glad to see the wheels of justice moving,” he said.
Public backlash and controversy
Days after the incident, McCarty-Wroten triggered widespread outrage after hosting another livestream in which she solicited donations through Cash App, claiming she needed support to take “mental leave” from social media. The appeal drew sharp criticism online, with many users accusing her of showing a lack of remorse.
Online profiles associated with “Tea Tyme” describe her as a TikTok personality, musician, and book publisher.
Family seeks support
Lucas’s family has since launched a GoFundMe campaign to support his widow. Relatives described the victim as a devoted family man whose death has left a deep void.
Broader safety concerns
Multiple studies have linked mobile phone use while driving to a heightened risk of road accidents. TikTok officially prohibits livestreaming while driving, though experts note that certain platform features can bypass safeguards.
The case has renewed calls for stricter enforcement against distracted driving and greater accountability for social media misuse on public roads.