A tragic incident in a Chicago suburb has left a high school senior dead just weeks before his graduation. Marko Niketic, 17, was driving with his girlfriend when a suspected drunk driver, Taeyoung Kim, crashed into their vehicle at over 120 mph.
The collision occurred at an intersection in Glenview, IL, with Kim’s 2021 Ford Mustang striking Niketic’s car as he was making a left turn. The impact was so severe that Niketic’s sedan was split into two, with the front half remaining on the road and the back half flying through a nearby fence into a backyard.
Niketic was pronounced dead at the scene, while his girlfriend and Kim’s passenger were rushed to the hospital in critical condition. Niketic’s girlfriend suffered serious injuries, including a subarachnoid hemorrhage and brain trauma.
Kim, who was found to have alcohol and cannabis in his system, was arrested and hit with multiple charges, including reckless homicide and aggravated DUI. He is currently being held without bond and is scheduled to appear in court on May 24.
The tragic incident has left the community in shock, as Niketic was described as a glowing and genuine person with a bright future ahead of him. His funeral was held just days before his high school prom, where he was set to graduate on June 2. The impact of this senseless tragedy will be felt for years to come.