More than 100 turn out at site to mourn teen killed in suburban Chicago traffic crash
GLENVIEW, Ill. (CBS)—More than 100 people turned out at a vigil Wednesday night for a show of support for a teenage boy killed in a two-vehicle crash in Glenview this past weekend.
It was an emotional gathering at the site of the crash that killed Marko Niketic, 17, with hugs, tears, and prayers shared by many. Several of Niketic's high school friends gathered at the very same site Monday and Tuesday night.
On Wednesday night, it was largely Niketic's fellow church members and neighbors who stopped by to honor his memory.
Loved ones said Niketic brought sunshine to everyone around him.
"He had an energy and a charisma to bring children and people together – children of all ages," said Fr. Darko Spasojevich, dean and priest at Holy Resurrection Serbian Orthodox Cathedral.
Hundreds gathered at the site along East Lake Avenue in Glenview, where Niketic lost his life this past Sunday night.
Police said Niketic – a senior at Glenbrook South High School – was driving a Mercedes that was hit by a Mustang moving at a high speed. Three other people, including the driver of the speeding car were hurt in the crash.
Also among those injured was Niketic's girlfriend, also 17, who was taken to the ICU after the crash. She also attended Glenbrook South High School.
A memorial has been growing at the site. Large crowds of classmates have been leaving flowers, cards, and pictures of Niketic to pay their respects.
Officers earlier had to shut down one lane of traffic on East Lake Avenue to keep visitors safe.
Niketic had been set to graduate from Glenbrook South this month.
Loved ones said he wanted to become an entrepreneur, and already had projects under way.
"He was always with smile – very open, very smart, really gifted," said Fr. Spasojevich.
Several members of Niketic's church offered consolation to his grieving family and friends. Fr. Spasojevich knew him personally.
"You think of your own child. You think in terms of life – what it means as a gift to us that we many times take for granted," said Spasojevich. "But now, you realize what a gift it is, and how it can suddenly disappear."
Funeral services for Niketic are set for Thursday morning at the St. Sava Monastery in Libertyville. Visitation begins at 10 a.m., with the funeral following at 11 a.m.
Glenview police said Wednesday evening that their investigation into the crash was ongoing.
The speeding driver who severed Niketic's car has not yet been charged, But police said that driver had been receiving medical treatment since late Sunday, and interviews were being conducted with "all parties and witnesses involved in the accident."
Police said they were collecting and analyzing evidence to determine the cause for the accident and pursue any possible charges. Police said they have contacted the Cook County State's Attorney's office to have the case reviewed for charges, and are "moving as fast as is possible without compromising the investigation."