1. Northbrook man charged in fatal crash that killed Glenview teenager
2. Northbrook man facing charges in accident that claimed life of Glenview teen.
Accident – Death – Obituary News :
COOK COUNTY – A Northbrook man is facing charges for allegedly speeding and causing the crash that tragically took the life of a beloved Glenbrook South High School senior on Mother’s Day.
Authorities state that 21-year-old Taeyoung Kim was driving his vehicle westbound on East Lake Avenue at a high rate of speed and in a reckless manner when he collided with 17-year-old Marko Niketic’s vehicle near the intersection with Meadow Lane.
The impact of the crash resulted in Niketic losing his life. Kim has been charged with driving under the influence of alcohol, driving under the influence of drugs, and reckless homicide, among other charges. His blood alcohol content was found to exceed the legal limit, according to police reports.
Kim is scheduled to appear in court on May 18 to face the charges brought against him.
Niketic, a well-liked and well-respected student, was deeply mourned by his classmates following the tragic incident.
“He was the most genuine human I’ve ever met,” expressed Preston Shute, a close friend of Niketic.
The heartbreaking event occurred just weeks before the end of the school year, mere days before the highly anticipated prom on Saturday, May 18, and the upcoming graduation ceremony on Sunday, June 2.
“That was my best friend, and it’s really hard to process right now,” added Shute.
Niketic was driving a silver Mercedes at the time of the collision, which was split in half upon impact. It appeared that a Mustang crashed into the teenager’s car, resulting in debris being scattered through a wooden fence, across the street, and onto the sidewalk.
“It’s really heartbreaking, I’ve never seen anything like it with the car in that condition, it’s unrecognisable,” remarked Inessa Kaufman, a family friend of Niketic.
Niketic was pronounced dead at the scene by responding officers.
Friends and Family Pay Tribute to Glenview Teen Killed in Tragic Crash
Glenview paramedics transported two individuals to Lutheran General Hospital and another to Evanston Hospital following the collision. The driver of the Mustang, later identified as Taeyoung Kim, was hospitalised with non-life-threatening injuries. The two other individuals—one from each vehicle—were listed in critical condition.
An eyewitness reported that moments before the crash, the Mustang overtook them while driving westbound on Lake Avenue.
“All of a sudden, [the Mustang] went around me, turned off his lights, and floored it,” recalled Nathan Clark.
The crash took place only blocks away from Niketic’s residence.
A fellow student, who described Niketic as their best friend, informed FOX 32 Chicago that they had plans to room together at Miami-Ohio University next year.
“I can’t even imagine what his parents are going through, the most sweet parents in the world. They’re absolutely amazing,” shared Shute. “I was going to room with him next year for college. We always talked about the future. Unfortunately, he didn’t get a future.”
Throughout Monday, visibly distraught classmates, friends, and loved ones visited the accident site, where a memorial consisting of flowers, crosses, and handwritten notes continued to grow.
“I just knew he was a good kid and always had good things coming from him,” Kaufman said. “There’s nothing bad to say about this kid. He was the popular kid around the school and always had something good he would do for the school too.”
Students gathered in prayer circles near the memorial at various points during the day on Monday.
“Rest in peace, Marko, my best friend, I’ll see you again one day,” Shute reflected.
Niketic’s funeral took place on Thursday at St. Sava Monastery in Libertyville as the community came together to pay their respects and honour his memory.
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– Northbrook man charged crash killed Glenview teen
– Northbrook man crash killed Glenview teen.
