Days from his graduation, Bethlehem teen Tymell Millan-Mason to be laid to rest Friday

BETHLEHEM, Pa. — Funeral services for Tymell Millan-Mason, the 18-year-old Bethlehem teen fatally shot at an Allentown McDonald’s earlier this month, will be held Friday, as an online fundraiser to support his family has surpassed $30,000.

Millan-Mason, a senior at Lincoln Leadership Academy Charter School in Allentown, was just weeks away from graduation when he was killed. He died May 18 at Lehigh Valley Hospital–Muhlenberg from gunshot injuries sustained three days earlier outside the McDonald’s at 1321 Union Blvd., according to the Lehigh County Coroner’s Office. Coroner Daniel A. Buglio ruled the death a homicide.

A viewing will be held from 10 a.m. to noon Friday at Life Church in Allentown, followed immediately by a celebration of life service, according to Vanderburg Family Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Greenwood Cemetery.

The family has invited loved ones to gather afterward, beginning at 4 p.m. at Cereta’s Luxury Venue, 309-335 E. Hamilton St., Allentown. The family is asking attendees to wear all white in Tymell’s honor and has requested white flowers with shades of green for those sending arrangements.

Millan-Mason had been scheduled to graduate with the Lincoln Leadership Academy Class of 2026 on June 5, according to the school’s academic calendar. The commencement ceremony is set for 9:30 a.m.

As of Wednesday, a GoFundMe campaign launched by Millan-Mason’s mother, Sashay Millan, to help cover funeral and medical expenses had raised $30,577. The fundraiser describes Millan-Mason — known to family and friends as “Ty” or “Mell” — as the “Dancing King” and says he planned to pursue a commercial driver’s license and begin electrician trade classes after graduation through a program offered by his school.

“Tymell was more than just a son — he was the first grandchild, first nephew, a proud big brother, cousin, role model, and loyal friend,” his mother wrote on the fundraiser page.

According to his obituary, Millan-Mason began working at Sky Zone at 15 and later worked as a restaurant host. He played travel flag and tackle football from the age of 5 — including stints with the Fullerton Ramblers, Allentown A’s and Bethlehem Steelers — and wrestled for BECA.

He is survived by his parents and his younger siblings, Emyah and Ezra Millan.

In the days since his death, dozens of classmates and students from area schools have posted tribute videos on TikTok, sharing footage of the teen dancing, joking and spending time with friends.

Lincoln Leadership Academy announced in a May 22 letter to families that the school will be closed Friday in observance of Tymell’s funeral services to give students, staff and families time to mourn. School offices will also be closed.

The school’s annual Field Day, originally scheduled for Friday, has been rescheduled to Tuesday, June 2, with a rain date of Wednesday, June 3. Counseling and student support services will continue to be available to students and staff after the school reopens.

“Just weeks away from graduation, Tymell was preparing to close an important chapter of his life alongside his classmates, teachers, and the school community that watched him grow throughout his journey here at Lincoln Leadership,” the school said in a May 20 statement.

The shooting occurred at about 9:10 p.m. May 15. Allentown police officers responded to a report of shots fired at the Union Boulevard McDonald’s and found Millan-Mason with a gunshot wound, according to the department. Officers rendered first aid before he was taken to the hospital by Allentown EMS.

No arrests have been announced. “Regarding the recent homicide, the investigation is active and ongoing currently,” Allentown Police Chief Charles Roca said Wednesday. “For now, there is no public update.” Police have said there is no threat to the community.

The case is being investigated jointly by the Allentown Police Criminal Investigations Division, the Lehigh County District Attorney’s Office and the Lehigh County Coroner’s Office.

Anyone with information is asked to call Allentown police detectives at 610-437-7721 or the police desk at 610-437-7753, ext. 1. Anonymous tips can be submitted through the Tip411 app, available on the Allentown Police Facebook page and the department’s website.