A Homewood-Flossmoor High School senior's life was tragically cut short in the early hours of Sunday morning following a single-vehicle crash on the Bishop Ford Freeway. Illinois State Police responded to the scene at approximately 4:30 a.m. on the Sibley Boulevard ramp to Interstate 94 northbound, where 18-year-old Tom Mya Lyons was found ejected from the vehicle. Lyons was transported to an area hospital but later pronounced dead, as confirmed in a statement obtained by ABC 7 Chicago.
The fatal incident occurred following the school’s prom, which took place Saturday night at the Field Museum. Homewood-Flossmoor High School officials, including Superintendent Dr. Scott Wakely and Principal Dr. Clinton Alexander, extended their condolences to Lyons's family in a somber message, detailing the support available for students and staff. "It is in difficult times like this that the HF family comes together to support each other. We are here for you," they shared in a message replicated by WGN-TV.
Grief counseling services will be offered to students on Monday and Tuesday, with members of the Crisis Team available in classrooms and designated spaces within the school facilities. The school's administration urges everyone to be respectful of each other’s grieving processes and to maintain self-care routines during this time. "Each of us will react to Tom Mya’s death in our own way, and we need to be respectful of each other," stated the Homewood-Flossmoor officials.
Community response has also been one of profound empathy and support for Lyons's loved ones. Calumet City Alderwoman Dr. Monet S. Wilson released a heartfelt statement covering the deep impact of the loss on the community, asking for prayers and peace for the bereaved family. "God we ask you to keep her wrapped in your embrace. Please keep her entire family lifted in prayer," said Dr. Wilson in her statement shared by ABC7 Chicago.
