Trendpills
A Wisconsin woman has been charged with reckless homicide after she allegedly struck and killed a pedestrian in Zion, Illinois, while livestreaming on the social media platform TikTok. The incident, which has drawn significant attention, highlights the deadly consequences of distracted driving.
The crash occurred on the evening of November 6 near 21st Street and Green Bay Road. According to the Lake County State’s Attorney's Office, Amanda M. Preiss, 31, of Kenosha, Wisconsin, was driving when she hit 68-year-old Carl L. King of Zion. Prosecutors say evidence shows Preiss was actively livestreaming at the moment of impact. Authorities were first alerted to a person down in the roadway and found King, who was pronounced dead at the scene. The Lake County Coroner’s Office later confirmed his death was due to blunt force injuries.
A crucial piece of evidence is the TikTok video itself. In the recording, Preiss is reportedly heard exclaiming, "I think I just hit somebody," moments after the collision. She then allegedly ended the livestream and called a friend before returning to the scene where law enforcement was present. The Zion Police Department and the Lake County Major Crash Assistance Team are jointly handling the ongoing investigation.
In addition to reckless homicide, Preiss faces charges of aggravated use of an electronic communication device and driving on a revoked license. During a court appearance, prosecutors presented the video as key evidence of her alleged distraction. A judge set her bond, and she is scheduled for a preliminary hearing. This case serves as a stark reminder of the legal and moral responsibilities of drivers to remain focused on the road, with officials emphasizing that the incident was a preventable tragedy caused by distracted driving.
