A high school senior from Chicago tragically lost her life in a car crash just hours after attending her senior prom, leaving her family, friends, and school community in mourning.
Tom’Mya Lyons, 18, a student at Homewood-Flossmoor High School, was involved in a fatal single-vehicle crash early Sunday morning, May 4.
The Illinois State Police confirmed that the accident occurred around 4:30 a.m. on the Sibley Boulevard ramp onto the inbound Bishop Ford Expressway.
Lyons had attended her prom the evening before at the Field Museum in Chicago. The formal event, held on Saturday, May 3, began at 8 p.m. and was a celebration of her upcoming graduation.
According to authorities, Lyons was a passenger in the vehicle driven by her 16-year-old boyfriend, who was not injured in the crash. The cause of the accident remains under investigation. Her stepfather, Charles Parker, told NBC 5 that the vehicle was allegedly cut off as it exited the expressway, causing the driver to lose control.
“I don’t have full details,” Parker said.
Lyons was transported to a local hospital, where she was later pronounced dead. The sudden loss devastated her family, who had just celebrated a milestone in her life.
“It’s all surreal,” Parker said. “I can’t believe that we sent her off and celebrating her, getting ready to graduate and now we’re celebrating her leaving the Earth. It’s a hard pill to swallow right now.”
Lyons had aspirations of working in cosmetology and also expressed interest in becoming a DJ.
“She was quiet, but at the same time, she was ambitious,” Parker said, recalling how she enjoyed engaging with his friends in the DJ industry.
Homewood-Flossmoor High School announced her death the same day and shared statements from school leaders expressing their condolences.
“Tom’Mya was more than just a student—she was a vibrant member of our community, a loyal friend, a dedicated classmate, a committed teammate, and a positive presence throughout Homewood-Flossmoor High School,” said Principal Clinton Alexander. “Her energy, kindness, and spirit touched the lives of many.”
Superintendent Dr. Scott Wakeley added:
“We extend our deepest condolences to Tom’Mya’s family. Our hearts go out to them as they cope with this tragic loss. It is in difficult times like this that the HF family comes together to support each other.”
Classmates and friends also remembered Lyons fondly.
“Always had a smile on her face,” said Jeda McClendon. “Never complaining, just a happy and joyful girl to be around.” Another friend, Neveani Bell, described her as “such a beautiful soul… So kind to everybody.”
Grief counselors have been made available for students and staff as the school community continues to process the tragedy.
The Illinois State Police said the investigation is ongoing and no further details have been released.
