Tynesha McCarty, the manager of Divine Oak Publishing, is under fire. This follows after she reportedly hit and killed a pedestrian in one such crash, allegedly while TikTok streaming. Delilah’s accident occurred in the Chicago suburb of Skokie, Illinois. Lucas was crossing at an intersection when a driver hit him, killing him in this senseless act. The influencer, who goes by Tea Tyme on social media, stayed at the crash scene and talked with police after the fatal collision.
The fatal crash occurred while McCarty was behind the wheel, streaming a live video on TikTok. Eyewitness accounts from people in Lucas’s community assure us that like others, Lucas suffered painful blunt force injuries. He died almost immediately upon arrival to the emergency room. Even at that early point in the investigation into his death, the Zion police department had announced that drugs and alcohol were not factors. In some places, they’re still waiting on those all-important laboratory results to confirm this.
In a disturbing turn of events, McCarty announced a new album shortly after the crash, prompting incredulity and outrage from users online. One user reacted by stating, “A new album announcement after killing someone,” highlighting the perceived insensitivity of her actions. Another commented, “CASH APP???? AFTER MOWING OVER SOMEBODY’S GRANDPA????” emphasizing their disbelief at her solicitation for donations.
McCarty has pleaded with her new social media following to help support her financially. She says the money will be a relief while she’s on “mental leave.” She stated during her livestream, “You know I don’t like asking y’all for shit, but if y’all … find it in y’all’s heart and y’all wanna support, my CashApp [account] is right there.”
Zion police department Lt. Paul Kehrli confirmed that no charges have been filed against McCarty at this time. He said investigators are still reviewing footage of the incident. This video, uploaded in the middle of the livestream, could contain key evidence to their ongoing investigation.
Their response to the public has been largely defensive and full of self-pity. Many have condemned McCarty’s decision to promote her new album and ask for donations so soon after such a devastating event. “Wow she is scum!!! She’s unrepentant!!!” wrote one user on TikTok, showcasing the anger felt by many appalled by the famous.
McCarty’s company, Divine Oak Publishing, was dissolved in 2022 according to state of Illinois business records. Though this lost battle in her career, she has nonetheless been hard at work developing her strong voice through the platforms that connect her.