Durham Family Mourns Married Couple Killed in Detroit Lyft Crash

Durham, North Carolina — March 12, 2026 —  According to My Fox 8, a family is grieving the sudden loss of a beloved couple who were killed while riding in a rideshare vehicle in Detroit last month.

Carla Boynton, a longtime educator, and her husband, Andre Boynton, died in a crash on Feb. 22 while traveling in a Lyft vehicle on their way to the Savior’s Day event in Detroit. According to family members, the couple leaves behind five children and was eagerly awaiting the arrival of three grandchildren. Two of their daughters, including Alima Shah, are currently expecting.

Shah said the loss has been overwhelming for the family, especially knowing her parents will never have the chance to meet their grandchildren.

“It’s heartbreaking to know they won’t be here for such important moments in our lives,” Shah said. “It feels like something meaningful has been taken away from our entire family.”

Investigators allege the Lyft driver, identified as Theopris Mays, was driving recklessly when he lost control of the vehicle and slammed into a warehouse building.

Footage from the crash scene showed the heavily damaged vehicle as firefighters and emergency responders assessed the situation. Authorities say the driver fled the scene following the crash, leaving the Boyntons trapped inside the vehicle. Both were pronounced dead before emergency medical personnel arrived.

For the Boynton family, the news came as a devastating shock.

“When we first heard what happened, it didn’t feel real,” Shah said. “It was traumatic and surreal all at once.”

Carla Boynton spent three decades working in education and most recently served as a physical education teacher at Durham School of Technology. Andre Boynton worked with the Chapel Hill Parks and Recreation Department. Friends and family remember both as active members of the Durham community who loved sports and remained deeply connected to local athletics.

According to Shah, both of her parents were talented athletes in their younger years. She recalled stories of her father competing against basketball legend Michael Jordan during high school and her mother’s accomplishments as a junior Olympian in track and field.

The family has since created a GoFundMe campaign to assist with travel and legal expenses as they cope with the tragedy and seek answers about the circumstances surrounding the crash.

Family members say they are focused on honoring Carla and Andre’s legacy while supporting one another during an incredibly difficult time.

At Dewey, Ramsay & Hunt, our experienced Charlotte personal injury attorneys are committed to helping crash victims and their families navigate the legal process.

Your Injury, Our Fight. How can we help you take a stand? Call 704-377-3737 or contact us online.

Notes: Our team created this post using secondary sources and has not independently verified all the facts surrounding the accident. If you find any incorrect details, please contact Dewey, Ramsay & Hunt so we can update the post with the most accurate information. This post will be removed if requested.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this post is not intended to be legal or medical advice and is not a solicitation for business. The photograph used in this post is not representative of this accident. If you are injured in an accident, seek medical attention immediately, then speak to a North Carolina personal injury lawyer as soon as possible.