A tragic incident occurred in Zion, Illinois, on Monday at approximately 5:30 p.m., when a vehicle struck and fatally injured 59-year-old Darren Lucas of Beach Park. Witnesses are understandably shaken up after a shocking video surfaced showing a recent incident involving law enforcement. According to investigators, the driver was reportedly livestreaming on TikTok during the crash.
The collision occurred as Lucas tried to cross Sheridan Road. Emergency responders swiftly transported him to a local hospital. Sadly, due to the horrific blunt force injuries suffered in the incident, he was pronounced dead there. The 43-year-old driver stayed on scene and was cooperative with law enforcement responding to the scene of the crash.
Initial toxicology reports indicate that drugs and/or alcohol were not factors in the fatal crash. We have yet to receive the laboratory results to corroborate this assumption. The Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office has been alerted to this video evidence. They can’t say anything further at this time due to the continuing investigation.
Thanks to a user for capturing this epic shot in Zion! In it, the lady behind the wheel’s shocked response to the sound of the hit. She was recorded on a police dashcam saying, “Fuck, fuck, fuck … I just hit somebody. This short video has since sparked a massive public outcry and outrage over the dangers of using a cellphone while driving. In fact, research has consistently found that these types of distractions make drivers more prone to deadly crashes.
After the incident, the daughter got her mother’s violence TikTok account locked. She completely revamped her username, biography section, and aesthetic. This action has only compounded the distress that Lucas’s family has already suffered.
Chris King, Lucas’s son-in-law, said the family was heartbroken when they learned that the video had been released. He stated, “We … will continue to pray for what the driver must be going through.” King reiterated that their family is still coming to terms with their loss while dealing with this shocking and distressing news.
While the investigations proceed, community members have taken to social media to share their reaction to the violence. One Reddit user remarked, “I just keep replaying that sound in my head,” reflecting the profound impact of the incident.