A tragic incident occurred in Glenview, IL when a suspected drunk driver, Taeyoung Kim, crashed into a car driven by high school senior Marko Niketic, killing him just weeks before his graduation. The crash took place at an intersection at over 120 mph, splitting Niketic’s car in half. Kim had been driving recklessly, racing past other cars with his headlights off before crashing into Niketic’s vehicle, resulting in the fatal accident that left Niketic dead at the scene.
Witnesses at the scene of the crash immediately called 911 upon seeing the devastation caused by the collision. Niketic’s girlfriend, who was in the car with him, and Kim’s passenger were rushed to the hospital in critical condition. Niketic’s girlfriend suffered serious injuries including brain trauma, while Kim’s passenger sustained a fractured back and a severed artery. Additionally, Kim himself suffered a broken femur and was found to have consumed alcohol and cannabis before the crash.
Kim was arrested on charges including aggravated DUI causing death, reckless homicide, and DUI of alcohol and drugs. He appeared in court and is being held without bond, with his next court date scheduled for May 24. Niketic’s funeral was held shortly after the crash, grieving friends and family members mourning the loss of a promising young student just before his high school graduation. Niketic was described as a genuine and glowing individual with a bright future that was tragically cut short.
The investigation into the crash revealed that Kim had been speeding at an excessive rate, with witnesses noting his reckless behavior before the collision. The impact of the crash split Niketic’s vehicle in two, leaving the front half on the road and the back half thrown into a nearby backyard. Kim’s car, which was equipped with a dashcam recording his actions leading up to the crash, came to a stop near a tree on the side of the road. The severe nature of the crash and the injuries sustained by those involved underscore the devastating consequences of drunk driving.
Niketic’s high school, Glenbrook South, was preparing for prom and graduation ceremonies in the wake of the tragic loss of one of its students. Niketic, who was described by friends as genuine and filled with potential, was set to graduate on June 2. His untimely death has left a void in the community, with those who knew him struggling to come to terms with the tragic events that unfolded just weeks before the end of the school year. The impact of the crash on Niketic, his loved ones, and the surrounding community serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of drunk driving and the importance of responsible behavior behind the wheel.
