Calumet City, IL — May 4, 2025, One person was killed following a car accident that occurred at around 4:31 A.M. on Interstate 94.

An investigation is underway following a car accident that left one person dead during the early-morning hours of May 4th. According to official reports, Tom'Maya Lyons was traveling as a passenger in a Jaguar that was driven by an unidentified male driver on the Sibley Boulevard ramp connecting Interstate 94, when for unknown reasons the Jaguar was reportedly cut off by another vehicle, causing the Jaguar to lose control and crash.

When first responders arrived on the scene, they found that Lyons had sustained serious injuries and she was transported to the hospital for treatment where she later succumbed to her injuries . At this time there has been no further information released from the accident, including what caused the collision, however this remains an ongoing investigation and more details may be released by authorities in the future.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

When a vehicle is reportedly cut off on an interstate ramp and the resulting loss of control leads to a fatal crash, the circumstances must be examined with care and objectivity. The May 4th crash on the Sibley Boulevard ramp connecting to Interstate 94 raises multiple possibilities that go beyond initial reports. In cases like this, a full understanding begins with three essential investigative questions.

First, has the crash scene been fully reconstructed to verify the vehicle dynamics and sequence of events? On-ramp environments can be particularly complex due to merging traffic, limited space, and variable visibility. Investigators should determine where the reported cut-off occurred, whether evasive action was attempted, and if road design or surface conditions played any role in the vehicle losing control. Skid marks, vehicle trajectory, and physical evidence left at the scene are key to confirming the account that another vehicle's movement initiated the crash.

Second, has the possibility of mechanical or vehicle system failure been examined? Even when a driver responds to another vehicle’s actions, the outcome often depends on how well the vehicle itself performs. Investigators should assess the condition of the Jaguar’s steering, braking, and stability systems, as well as tire condition and suspension integrity. If any of these systems failed to respond properly during a high-stress maneuver, that could have contributed significantly to the loss of control and severity of the crash.

Third, has electronic data from the Jaguar—and, if identified, from the other involved vehicle—been retrieved and reviewed? The Jaguar is likely equipped with an electronic control module (ECM), which stores critical pre-crash data such as speed, throttle application, braking input, and steering activity. This data can help confirm whether evasive maneuvers were attempted and whether the vehicle responded appropriately. Surveillance footage from traffic cameras or dash cams, if available, may also help identify the other vehicle and support or contradict the initial reports of it cutting off the Jaguar.

When a crash results in a fatality and involves the alleged actions of an unidentified third vehicle, it’s especially important to rely on evidence rather than assumptions. These three investigative questions—focused on scene analysis, mechanical performance, and electronic data—are the foundation for building an accurate understanding of what truly happened. Only with that clarity can the investigation move toward accountability and help prevent similar incidents in the future.