TikTok Creator Tea Tyme Arrested in Fatal Hit-and-Run in Zion, Illinois
Tynesha McCarty-Wroten, known online as Tea Tyme, 43, was arrested on December 23, 2025, in Zion, Illinois, in connection with the November 3 fatal hit-and-run of Darren Lucas, a 59-year-old man.
Lucas was struck by a vehicle while walking at an intersection near Beach Park in Zion and died from blunt-force injuries at a hospital.
McCarty-Wroten faces felony charges including reckless homicide and aggravated use of a communications device resulting in death, as noted in local jail records.
A TikTok livestream video linked to McCarty-Wroten captured the moment of impact. Following the incident, the Tea Tyme account was set to private and its bio referencing Zion was deleted.
She remained at the scene after the crash, but was later identified through police scrutiny of the livestream.
Days after Lucas's death, McCarty-Wroten hosted another livestream soliciting donations via Cash App for a supposed mental health leave, which drew online criticism.
Zion police Lieutenant Paul Kehrli announced the arrest. Lucas's family was informed by the state attorney’s office, with his son-in-law Chris King expressing relief that justice is progressing.
Lucas's family has launched a GoFundMe page to support his widow.
TikTok prohibits users from driving while livestreaming, but some can circumvent safety features using the green screen function.
Studies have linked cell-phone use while driving with increased crash risk, further highlighting concerns surrounding the incident.
