High School Senior Killed in Car Crash Just Hours After Prom: ‘Happy and Joyful Girl to Be Around’

A Chicago high school student tragically died in a car accident, hours after she attended her senior prom.

Tom’Mya Lyons, 18, was killed in a car crash in Chicago on Sunday, May 4, around 4:30 a.m., the Illinois State Police said in a statement obtained by PEOPLE.

The Homewood-Flossmoor High School prom was at the Field Museum in Chicago. It began at 8 p.m. on Saturday, May 3.

After the celebration, Lyons and her boyfriend were in a vehicle that crashed on the Sibley Boulevard ramp onto the inbound Bishop Ford Expressway. The driver, her 16-year-old boyfriend, was not injured in the crash, Illinois State Police said, per WGN 9.

Authorities responded to the scene, and Lyons was transported to an area hospital where she was pronounced deceased.

“He was cut off trying to get off expressway and lost control. I don’t have full details,” Lyons’ stepfather Charles Parker told NBC 5.

This accident is still under investigation by the Illinois State Police, and there is no further information.

“It’s all surreal. 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,” Parker said. “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, noting that she was also so excited for prom and planned her dress with her mom.

Lyons was hoping to work in cosmetology and as a DJ.

“She was quiet, but at the same time, she was ambitious,” Parker told NBC 5. “Just to see how she was interacting with that and some of my friends who are DJs, it’s hard. I can’t believe it.”

The Homewood-Flossmoor High School announced Lyons’ death on Sunday, May 4.

“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. Her energy, kindness, and spirit touched the lives of many, and her absence will be deeply felt by us all,” HFHS Principal Clinton Alexander said, per WGN 9.

The school also informed students and their families that grief counselors would be available.

“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. We are here for you,” Dr. Scott Wakeley, Superintendent of Homewood-Flossmoor Community High School District 233, said in a statement, per WGN 9.

“Always had a smile on her face,” Jeda McClendon told NBC 5. “Never complaining, just a happy and joyful girl to be around.”

“She was such a beautiful soul.” Neveani Bell told NBC 5. “So kind to everybody… She told me how much she was proud of me all the time.”