Friends, family heartbroken after high school senior killed in Glenview crash: 'I'll see you again one day'
GLENVIEW, Ill. - A tragic crash on Sunday night left a high school senior dead just days before prom and graduation, and seriously injured three other people in suburban Glenview.
The two-vehicle accident unfolded just after 11 p.m. on Mother’s Day along Lake Avenue near Meadow Lane, according to officials.
The Cook County Medical Examiner's Office identified the teen who lost his life as 17-year-old Marko Niketic of Glenview.
The Glenbrook South High School student was well-liked and well-respected, according to classmates.
"He was the most genuine human I’ve ever met," said Preston Shute, a close friend of Niketic.
The tragedy unfolded in the final weeks of the school year, just days before prom – set for Saturday, May 18 – and graduation on Sunday, June 2.
"That was my best friend and it’s really hard to process right now," said Shute.
Overnight and throughout Monday morning, investigators spent hours piecing the scene together.
Niketic was driving a silver Mercedes that was split in half upon impact.
It appeared a Mustang crashed into the teen’s car, sending debris through a wooden fence, and all over the street and sidewalk.
"It’s really heartbreaking, I’ve never seen anything like it with the car like that, it’s unrecognizable," said Inessa Kaufman, family friend of Niketic.
Niketic was pronounced dead at the scene, according to police.
Glenview paramedics took two people to Lutheran General Hospital and the other to Evanston Hospital. The driver of the Mustang was hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries. The two others – one passenger from each vehicle – were listed in critical condition.
A witness says moments before the crash, the Mustang passed him driving westbound on Lake Avenue.
"All of the sudden, [the Mustang] went around me, turned off his lights, and floored it," said Nathan Clark.
Police have yet to release additional information about the crash, or possible factors that played a role in the accident.
The crash happened blocks away from Niketic’s home.
A student who says Niketic was his best friend tells FOX 32 Chicago they planned to room together next year at Miami-Ohio University.
"I can’t even imagine what his parents are going through, the most sweet parents in the world. They’re absolutely amazing," said 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."
As classmates, friends and loved ones who were visibly distraught visited the site of the accident Monday, a memorial of flowers, crosses and handwritten notes grew larger.
"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 formed a prayer circle near the memorial at various points of the day Monday,.
"Rest in peace, Marko, my best friend, I’ll see you again one day," said Shute.
Glenbrook South High School Principal Dr. Barbara Georges sent a letter to GBS families on Monday, stating in part:
"Death can be difficult for us to understand, especially when it is sudden. Today, students may feel shock, sadness, or confusion. What is most important is that we care for and support each other. The GBS student services team is responding to the emotional needs of all students and staff by making student services personnel available."
Marko and his family attend Holy Resurrection Serbian Orthodox Cathedral in Chicago.
The parish released a touching statement on Monday, writing in part:
"Marko was not only a beloved parishioner of our Cathedral; he was an integral part of our community, involved in our Soko folklore group. His family, esteemed and respected within our community, has been an essential pillar of our Cathedral for many years.
"Marko's presence brought joy to our community, and his absence will be keenly felt. However, his memory will remain eternally cherished within our Cathedral family and in the hearts of all who knew him.
"May the Resurrected Lord grant eternal rest to Marko's soul and grant his family the strength to bear this heavy burden. We, the Clergy, Executive Board, and the entire community of Holy Resurrection Serbian Orthodox Cathedral, stand united in support and love for the Niketic family and all those affected by this tragedy."