Accident – Death – Obituary News : : 1. Fatal DUI crash
2. Tragic student death

A tragic incident in Chicago resulted in the death of high school student Marko Niketic, 17, after a suspected drunk driver crashed into his car at a speed of 194 kilometers per hour. Taeyoung Kim, 21, was under the influence of alcohol and cannabis when he collided with Niketic’s vehicle, killing him instantly. The impact split Niketic’s car in half, sending parts flying into a nearby backyard. Niketic’s girlfriend and Kim’s passenger sustained severe injuries and were hospitalized. Kim faces multiple charges, including aggravated DUI causing death, reckless homicide, and drug-related offenses. The community mourns the loss of a promising young life due to reckless driving.

A devastating accident in Chicago has left a community in mourning after a suspected drunk driver caused the death of a high school student just weeks before his graduation. The incident occurred in Glenview, a city in the US state of Illinois, where 17-year-old Marko Niketic tragically lost his life.

The Details of the Accident

The driver responsible for this tragedy has been identified as 21-year-old Taeyoung Kim, who was driving his 2021 Ford Mustang at a staggering speed of 194 kilometres per hour. Kim, who was reportedly drunk and high on cannabis, crashed his sports car into the vehicle carrying Niketic and his 16-year-old girlfriend.

According to the Glenview Police Department, the collision occurred when Kim was driving recklessly on East Lake Ave. Witnesses reported that Kim was racing past other cars with his headlights off, leading to the fatal crash when Niketic was making a left turn.

The Aftermath of the Accident

The impact of the crash was so severe that Niketic’s vehicle was split in half, with the front half remaining on the road and the rear end catapulting over a nearby fence into a backyard. Despite efforts by witnesses to save Niketic and his girlfriend, the young student was pronounced dead at the scene.

Niketic’s girlfriend, whose identity has not been disclosed, suffered serious injuries including a subarachnoid haemorrhage, a hematoma of the brain, a fracture of the pelvis vertebrae, and hyper-density of the left frontal lobe of the brain. She was released from the hospital on Friday, but the physical and emotional scars of the accident will undoubtedly linger.

Kim’s passenger also sustained significant injuries, including a fractured back and a severed artery, further highlighting the devastating consequences of his reckless actions.

The Legal Ramifications

Following the accident, Kim was arrested and is currently being held without bond. He faces multiple charges, including two counts of aggravated DUI causing death, reckless homicide, aggravated DUI causing great bodily harm, DUI of alcohol, DUI of drugs, and several traffic violations.

During the investigation, police discovered drug paraphernalia in Kim’s vehicle, including a bong, rolling papers, and a cannabis pipe with residue. A blood test revealed that Kim had a blood alcohol level of 0.088 and traces of cannabis in his system, further substantiating the charges against him.

Kim’s reckless and irresponsible actions have had devastating consequences for the families involved, serving as a stark reminder of the dangers of driving under the influence. The community is left to grapple with the senseless loss of a promising young life and the long road to justice that lies ahead.

As the legal proceedings unfold, the hope is that justice will be served, and that measures will be taken to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future.

Shankhyaneel Sarkar is a senior subeditor at News18, covering international affairs with a focus on breaking news and in-depth analyses. With a passion for storytelling and a commitment to delivering accurate and engaging content, Sarkar brings a unique perspective to his reporting.