Malik Parker, a Chicago, Illinois native and former collegiate basketball star, passed away on Thursday, October 30, 2025, along with his young daughter Malia, in a tragic car accident.
According to the Kankakee County Sheriff, at approx 10:20 PM on Thursday, Kankakee County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to a two-vehicle crash near the intersection of 18000 West and 2000 South Road in Reddick, Illinois.
Deputies arrived to find one of the vehicles fully engulfed in flames. Early findings showed that each vehicle held two occupants, bringing the total number of people involved to four.
Sadly, all four—including former ASU standout Malik Parker and his 5-year-old daughter, Malia—were pronounced at the scene.
According to witnesses, a 2021 Honda Accord had been driving recklessly before the crash, speeding, crossing the center line, and passing other vehicles just moments before impact. The Honda then collided head-on with a southbound 2012 Chevrolet Equinox.
Authorities continue to investigate the incident, and it is unclear if Malik was driving the Honda or the Chevrolet.
The untimely death of Malik Parker and his beloved daughter has left a profound void in the lives of his loved ones.
Many of his loved ones are paying tribute to them and extending their heartfelt condolences to their family during this difficult time.
Malik Parker and his daughter Malia leave behind Lela Jasmine McCoy, a loving partner to Malik and a great mother to Malia.
Lela took to social media to pay tribute to her late partner and daughter, expressing her sorrow.
Malik Parker touched the lives of many with his exceptional athletic skills and his kind, cheerful nature.
Late Malik Parker Was a Former Standout Collegiate and High School Basketball Player
The late Malik Parker, a gifted guard from Chicago, Illinois, built an impressive basketball career marked by perseverance and standout performances.
A graduate of Chicago Christian High School, Parker helped lead his team to back-to-back Metro Suburban Conference titles and a regional championship his senior year.
He twice earned Conference Player of the Year, was named First Team All-State, and received Reporter/Regional Newspaper Player of the Year honors after averaging 21 points per game.
Parker continued his journey at Danville Area Community College, where his promising freshman year was cut short by injury after ten games. However, he still averaged an impressive 14.3 points and totaled 143 points.
He later joined Albany State University, where he contributed as a senior, averaging double-digit scoring and displaying his skills as a dynamic offensive player.
Off the court, Parker enjoyed spending time with friends and pursued a major in criminal justice.
While very little information about his professional career is available, as Malik Parker preferred to maintain a low profile, his contribution to the sports field will always be remembered.
