TikTok star and mom killed in crash on way to Juneteenth event, Texas family says
A TikToker who gained nearly a half-million followers through her relatable content died in a crash while traveling to a Juneteenth event in Texas with her mother, her family says.
The crash happened Monday, June 19, in Houston. TikTok star Britney Joy Murphy, 35, died along with her mother, Sherie Smith.
Murphy was driving her mother to a Juneteenth celebration when a Chevy Silverado struck their Honda Civic, according to KIAH. The impact caused the Civic to crash into a tree.
Charges have not been filed. Alcohol and drugs are not believed to be factors in the crash, KPRC reported.
McClatchy News reached out to the Houston Police Department and is awaiting a response.
Murphy’s sister said the incident was her “worst nightmare come true.” She came upon the crash scene while driving home, according to KTRK.
“This happened so suddenly and was truly something I could have never imagine. Losing my best friends,” Tiffany Smith Cofield said in a GoFundMe.
The TikTok feed for Murphy — @ThatGirlBritneyJoy — was created so she could “showcase how difficult it is to get ready in the morning for work,” according to her website. She has several videos with more than a million views, including a June 19 post that has been seen more than 6 million times.
Many of Murphy’s posts followed a “Get ready with me for my 9-5” theme. The videos were relatable for many TikTokkers, as her posts often received hundreds of comments.
Murphy’s sister said it was no surprise she reached internet fame.
“My sweet beautiful sister. I’m so proud of you. Everything you accomplished. You are THAT GIRL BRITNEY JOY,” her sister said in an Instagram post. “No one will ever come close. No one. You left here a star. SUPERSTAR. I always knew you would be. I knew that was your destiny. To laugh and be loved.”
This story was originally published June 22, 2023 at 9:05 AM with the headline "TikTok star and mom killed in crash on way to Juneteenth event, Texas family says."