Tragic Crash Claims Life of High School Senior Just Weeks Before Graduation
On the night of May 12, 2024, a devastating car crash occurred in Glenview, IL, resulting in the death of 17-year-old Marko Niketic, a high school senior who was eagerly anticipating his upcoming graduation. The accident took place when a suspected drunk driver, identified as Taeyoung Kim, collided with Niketic’s vehicle at an intersection.
According to court records obtained by NBC Chicago, Kim had been driving his 2021 Ford Mustang at excessive speeds earlier in the day, traveling from his home in Northbrook to downtown Chicago and back. The Glenview Police Department’s investigation revealed that Kim was speeding recklessly westbound on East Lake Ave when the collision occurred.
Witnesses reported that Kim was racing past other cars on Lake Ave, even turning off his headlights at one point. As Niketic began making a left turn at the intersection of East Lake Ave and Meadow Lane, Kim’s vehicle approached at an immense rate of speed. Just as Kim entered the intersection, his headlights turned back on, but it was too late to avoid the crash. The front of Kim’s car struck the driver’s side of Niketic’s vehicle, splitting it into two.
Tragically, Niketic did not survive the impact and was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident. His girlfriend, who was also in the car at the time, was critically injured and rushed to the hospital. She suffered severe injuries, including a subarachnoid hemorrhage, hematoma of the brain, a fracture of the pelvis vertebrae, and hyper-density of the left frontal lobe of the brain with loss of consciousness and seizure. Fortunately, she was released from the hospital several days later.
Meanwhile, Kim’s passenger also sustained serious injuries, including a fractured back and a severed artery. When tested for alcohol and drugs, Kim’s blood alcohol level was found to be .088, slightly above the legal limit, and he tested positive for cannabis as well. Additionally, police discovered drug paraphernalia and cannabis residue inside Kim’s vehicle during their investigation.
Kim now faces several charges, including reckless homicide and aggravated DUI causing death. He appeared in court and is currently being held without bond. Niketic’s funeral was held shortly after the accident, causing immense grief among his family, friends, and the Glenbrook South High School community. His graduation, which was scheduled for June 2, became a heartbreaking reminder of the bright future he had ahead.
Reflecting on the loss, one of Niketic’s friends described him as a genuinely radiant person with a promising future. The community came together to hold a vigil at the scene of the crash, honoring Niketic’s memory and offering support to one another during this difficult time.
This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of drunk driving. It highlights the importance of responsible and sober driving to ensure the safety of everyone on the road. May Marko Niketic rest in peace, and may his story inspire others to make responsible choices behind the wheel.
