Zion police seize phone of driver allegedly livestreaming at time of fatal crash

Police detectives in Zion have seized the phone of the driver believed to have fatally struck a 59-year-old man to help determine whether she was livestreaming on TikTok at the time of the crash.

Darren Lucas was walking to catch the bus home from work last Monday near Sheridan Road and 33rd Street, police said, when he was hit by a car. Police said the driver, a 43-year-old woman, remained at the scene and called 911. Lucas was taken to the hospital where he later died.

Days after the crash, police said they received tips about a social media video related to the incident.

Police confirmed to NBC Chicago they’re following up on leads to verify the validity of the video that shows a woman believed to be the driver livestreaming on TikTok when the crash occurred.

Police said they also have search warrants and subpoenas issued for the driver’s phone records and social media accounts. No charges have been filed, and the Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office said the investigation remains ongoing.

Meanwhile, Lucas’ colleagues at Torres Fresh Market in Zion are grieving and mourning, remembering the life of their friend and coworker.

“To know that one day you see him, the next day he’s gone is … heartbreaking for us,” said Sandra Williams, who worked with Lucas.

Williams said the two worked together last Monday, and she remembers saying goodbye to him when she left. Hours later, she found out he was killed.

“My understanding [is] when he walked up to the bus stop, he got hit,” Williams said. “And when I got that news I was devastated, and I’m still devastated.”

While funeral arrangements are being finalized for Lucas, those who knew him say he was friendly and a hard worker, a familiar face to many customers over the years.

The grocery store is now raising money to help his family with funeral expenses. Family said Lucas was married for 31 years and helped raise four children.

“Our prayers and thank yous go out to everyone that kept us in their prayers,” Lucas’ family said in a statement. “It can’t be said enough as to how grateful we feel knowing Darren meant so much to Zion.”