On the night of Saturday, April 26, 2025, 18-year-old Nyla Simmons tragically lost her life in St. Louis, Missouri. While dancing atop a Cadillac Escalade during a friend’s prom send-off, Nyla fell as the vehicle moved through the intersection of Chouteau and South Compton. Moments later, she was struck by a fire truck responding to an emergency call with its lights and sirens activated . 

On the night of Saturday, April 26, 2025, 18-year-old Nyla Simmons tragically lost her life in St. Louis, Missouri. While dancing atop a Cadillac Escalade during a friend’s prom send-off, Nyla fell as the vehicle moved through the intersection of Chouteau and South Compton. Moments later, she was struck by a fire truck responding to an emergency call with its lights and sirens activated .

Nyla was a vibrant young woman, remembered by her parents as a social butterfly who loved to have fun. She was the youngest of five children and had recently graduated from Parkway North High School. Eager to pursue her passion, she was set to begin cosmetology school at Grabber School of Hair Design on the following Monday .

Her parents, Everett and Letrice Simmons, expressed their profound grief and urged others to learn from this tragedy. They emphasized the importance of safety and the unpredictable consequences of seemingly harmless fun. “We want all her people and her friends to take this and learn from it,” her father said. Her mother added, “Don’t get on top of a car, y’all, just don’t get on top. Just be safe” .

The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department is conducting an ongoing investigation into the incident. All parties involved remained at the scene and are cooperating with authorities .

Nyla’s untimely passing serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of making safe choices. Her memory lives on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.