17-year-old student dead, 3 critically injured in crash in north Chicago suburb
GLENVIEW, Ill. (CBS) — A 17-year-old boy died and three others were critically injured in a two-vehicle crash in Glenview late Sunday night.
Just after 11 p.m., the Glenview fire and police departments responded to the 1200 block of East Lake Avenue where two cars were left mangled, one of them split in half.
The teen who died at the scene has been identified as Marko Niketic, 17, of Glenview, a senior at Glenbrook South High School.
Police said Niketic was driving a Mercedes that was hit by a Mustang moving at a high speed.
Police said two people were taken to Advocate Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge and one person was taken to Endeavor Health Evanston Hospital. Police said the passengers of both vehicles were in critical condition, and the driver of the Mustang was treated for non-life-threatening injuries.
A family member confirmed a 17-year-old girl is being treated in the ICU. She was Niketic's girlfriend and a student at GBS.
A witness at the scene said he was immediately concerned when the Mustang sped past him.
"He was going probably about 90 when he sped in front of me, if I had to guess, he floored it and turned off his lights his lights off there was no reason for it," He told CBS 2. "I think he just wanted to go fast and being reckless."
A neighbor showed CBS 2 Ring video from Sunday night. Out of respect for the family of the victim, CBS 2 did not show it. The video showed Niketic's Mercedes slowly driving down Meadow. The car turned onto Lake, and within seconds, the Mustang was heard slamming into his car, making a loud boom sound.
Glenbrook South High School alerted the community of Niketic's death.
The school officials said "Marko Niketic tragically passed away in an accident that occurred last night. At this time, we are respecting the family's need for privacy as they process their loss."
The school will offer counseling services for students throughout the week.
"Our thoughts are with the Niketic family and the entire GBS community during this difficult time," school officials said in the release.
Glenbrook South classmates come together in mourning
On Monday night, so many heartbroken teens came to pay their respects. They gathered in silence—because they were still trying to determine how to process the death of a guy everyone loved.
Candles began to burn, as flowers began to wilt.
"It's gut-wrenching," said Niketic's friend, Jacob Rueckert. "It hasn't set in."
Emotions had yet to surface for many of those who knew Niketic. Preston Shute was going to be Niketic's Miami Hurricanes roommate.
"I feel his energy," said Shute. "I feel some sort of security that he's with us."
Shute and Rueckert were among the crowd of dozens who gathered around the makeshift memorial at the site where Niketic was killed.
"As you guys can see, there's so many people here. Marko literally touched the heart of everyone he met," said Rueckert. "He's the guy you meet, and you're best friends with him like that. He's just such a kind soul."
Rueckert added that the driver who hit the car Niketic was driving had came out of nowhere.
"Literally, what he was trying to do is drop his girlfriend off at home; make sure she's OK. There's a car going 100 mph with his lights off," said Rueckert, "and just—there's nothing you can do. It was literally the worst circumstance to be in."
Niketic's girlfriend remained in intensive care Monday night.
"In those last final moments, when he is turning, me and Preston are 100% sure that if he saw that car, he stepped on the gas—and he put his hands over his girlfriend to make sure that she was OK," said Rueckert.
Niketic and his girlfriend had been set to attend prom at Glenbrook South this Saturday. But now, his friends say the celebration will be a tribue to Niketic, as they left with some final words.
"Rest in peace Marko," said Shute. "Me and all the boys will be up there one day, snd it'll be back to usual."
No charges had been filed against the other driver Monday night, but police said the investigation remained active.
In the meantime, the school has counselors available for students.
