A Chicago high school girl sadly perished in a vehicle accident, hours after she attended her senior prom.
Tom’Mya Lyons, 18, was died in a vehicle collision in Chicago on Sunday, May 4, about 4:30 a.m., the Illinois State Police confirmed in a statement obtained by PEOPLE.
The Homewood-Flossmoor High School prom was at the Field Museum in Chicago. It started at 8 p.m. on Saturday, May 3.
Following the celebration, Lyons and her boyfriend were traveling in a car that overturned on the Sibley Boulevard ramp leading into the Bishop Ford Expressway, which was heading in the other direction. Illinois State Police reported that the driver, who was her boyfriend and was 16 years old at the time of the accident, did not sustain any injuries.
Lyons was taken to a nearby hospital, where she was pronounced dead after being transported there by the authorities who had responded to the scene.
“While attempting to exit the freeway, he was cut off and lost control of his vehicle. In an interview with NBC 5, Lyons’ stepfather Charles Parker stated, “I do not have complete details.”
Due to the fact that the Illinois State Police are still conducting their investigation into this accident, there is no additional information available.
“Everything is really unreal. According to Parker, “I can’t believe that we celebrated her leaving the earth and sending her off. We were celebrating her getting ready to graduate, and now we are celebrating her leaving the earth.” “It’s a hard pill to swallow right now.”
“Man, she just got a few weeks to graduate, and just to see that she’s gone, it’s hard,” he said, mentioning that she was also so excited for prom and that she planned her dress with her mother. “It’s hard to see that she leaves,” he said.
Both a career in cosmetology and a career as a DJ were on Lyons’ wish list.
According to what Parker shared with NBC 5, “She was quiet, but at the same time, she was ambitious.” Simply observing how she was interacting with that, in addition to some of my friends who are DJs, is a challenging experience. It’s hard for me to digest.”
On Sunday, May 4, the Homewood-Flossmoor High School made the announcement that Lyons had passed away.
“Tom’Mya was more than simply a student; she was a devoted friend, a dedicated classmate, a committed teammate, and a positive presence throughout Homewood-Flossmoor High School. She was a dynamic part of our community, and she was a committed teammate. HFHS Principal Clinton Alexander was quoted as saying, “Her energy, kindness, and spirit touched the lives of many, and her absence will be deeply felt by all of us.” This statement was made in accordance with WGN 9.
Additionally, the school offered children and their families the opportunity to speak with grief counselors who will be accessible.
Please accept our sincere sympathies on behalf of the whole Tom’Mya family. As they struggle to come to terms with this terrible loss, our thoughts and prayers are with them. The members of the HF family join together to provide support and assistance to one another at times of difficulty such as these. According to WGN 9, the Superintendent of Homewood-Flossmoor Community High School District 233, Dr. Scott Wakeley, issued a statement in which he declared, “We are here for you.”
According to Jeda McClendon, who spoke to NBC 5, “Always had a smile on her face.” “Never complaining, just a happy and joyful girl to be around.”
“She had such a soul that was so beautiful.” NBC 5 was informed by Neveani Bell. “You are really helpful to everyone… Every time I was in her presence, she expressed to me how pleased she was of me.
PEOPLE’s request for further information on Tuesday was sent to a representative of Homewood-Flossmoor High School; however, the official did not immediately answer.
