TikTok Star Keith Lee
Keith Lee’s video about surviving a wrong-way crash sparks debate over faith and sensitivity. Screenshot Keith Lee/Instagram

TikTok food critic star Keith Lee has faced a wave of criticism after sharing a now-deleted video about surviving a near-fatal wrong-way crash that killed a 29-year-old father in Texas.

Lee said he believed his family had been spared for a reason, but some viewers questioned the timing and tone of his faith-based testimony.

Keith Lee Describes Near-Death Highway Crash

Lee said he was driving on US Highway 67 near Duncanville, Texas, shortly before midnight on 3 September with his wife, Ronni, and two friends when a vehicle suddenly approached them in the wrong direction.

The wrong-way vehicle was reportedly stolen from Irving, according to law enforcement.

Lee said a vehicle ahead of him swerved, and he saw headlights coming toward him. He then moved behind a large sand truck, allowing the wrong-way vehicle to pass.

'He drives right past me. It felt like a movie. It feels like slow motion,' Lee said in the video.

The TikTok star said several cars were behind him and that he watched one driver attempt to avoid the oncoming vehicle before losing control and hitting a wall.

Wrong-Way Crash Killed Kenan Ellis

A fatal crash occurred moments later in Duncanville. NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth reported that Kenan Ellis, 29, was killed while travelling with two cousins, who suffered serious injuries.

Police arrested Alexander Nunez, who faces charges including intoxication manslaughter, intoxication assault and unauthorised use of a vehicle. He remains in custody on a $110,000 (about £81,400) bond.

Ellis had recently celebrated his 29th birthday and was a father of two. His family said that he and his cousins were returning from a music video shoot when the crash occurred.

Lee said he learned of the death the following morning and offered condolences to Ellis' family.

Keith Lee Faces Backlash Over Testimony Video

In the video, Lee repeatedly credited God for protecting him and his passengers, saying: 'If God wasn't with me, I don't know who was.'

He also offered condolences to the family of the person who died: 'My condolences go out to the family that lost their loved one.'

Lee then continued to reflect on his survival and his faith. 'I'm thankful to be here, and that's not an understatement,' he said. 'I didn't understand it yesterday. I woke up this morning overly grateful. It could have been so bad.'

The video drew criticism from social-media users who felt Lee's focus on his own survival and repeated references to God were insensitive while another family was grieving.

One commenter described the message as 'tone deaf', while other commenters questioned Lee's decision to praise God in the aftermath of a crash that left another person dead.

Other users defended Lee, arguing that he was entitled to express gratitude for surviving a frightening experience and had not blamed or mocked the victim.

Woman Identifying as Ellis' Partner Defends Lee

Amid the backlash, a woman who identifies herself as Chinney on TikTok said Ellis was the father of her children and defended Lee.

@chindaproblem

@Keith Lee made a video sharing his testimony about the wrong-way driver crash, and as a family, we know there was no malicious intent behind what was said. I tagged him because stop bashing and placing the blame on him! That’s not fair. Unfortunately, that same wrong-way driver took the life of my children’s father, Kenan, while also injuring two others. Our family is devastated by this heartbreaking loss. My children are hurting and struggling to understand why their father was taken from them. We ask that you please keep our family, especially my children, in your thoughts and prayers as we navigate this unimaginable pain. A go fund me has been made and we are grateful for any donations received and if you are not able to donate please pray for us! 💔🕊️#fy #fyp #crash #duncanville #loss

♬ original sound - MrWise

She said the family believed there was 'no malicious intent' behind his comments and urged people to 'stop bashing' him. She also said the family was devastated by Ellis' death and asked for prayers for their children.

Her response added another perspective to the online debate, with some users criticising Lee's wording and others defending his decision to speak about the experience.

Lee's original video has since been deleted, while Nunez remains in custody as the criminal case proceeds.

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