Relatives of a 17-year-old Glenbrook South High School student who was killed in a tragic car crash Sunday night gathered Wednesday to remember his life near the scene of the tragedy in Glenview.
Marko Niketic, days away from his high school graduation, was killed in a crash shortly after 11 p.m. Sunday, when the car he was driving was struck by a speeding motorist.
A statement from Glenview police confirmed Wednesday that the investigation into the crash was still ongoing, with the driver of the other vehicle involved still receiving medical treatment for his injuries.
“The Glenview Police Department’s investigation into the fatal crash that occurred late Sunday evening is ongoing. The driver of the second vehicle involved in the crash has been receiving medical treatment since Sunday and interviews are underway with all parties and witnesses involved in the accident As is standard for this type of investigation, we are collecting and analyzing all evidence to help determine the cause of the accident and support possible charges, if this case warrants it. “We have already been in contact with the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office to have the case reviewed to determine charges, and we are moving forward as quickly as possible without compromising the investigation.” said the press release.
Both vehicles suffered significant damage and stopped across a street after hitting a wooden fence, authorities said. Niketic, a high school senior at Glenbrook South High School in Glenview, was pronounced dead at the scene, police said.
Three other people were taken to a nearby hospital, police said. The driver of the Mustang was hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries, authorities said. The other two – both passengers in each of the vehicles – were last listed in critical condition.
Photos and videos from the scene early Monday morning showed two cars badly damaged, with airbags deployed inside both cars. Debris from the crash was scattered along the roadway, including pieces from a fallen wooden fence.
In one photo, the rear and driver’s side of a Mercedes appeared completely destroyed.
Later Monday, Glenbrook South High School released a letter to families, calling the accident “tragic.”
“Dear GBS students and families,” the letter begins. “We are sorry to inform you that GBS Manager Marko Niketic tragically passed away in an accident last night.”
The message, from GBS principal Barbara Georges, said the school respected the family’s need for privacy and provided services to students and faculty.
“Death can be difficult for us to understand, especially when it is sudden,” the letter continues. “Today, students may feel shock, sadness or confusion. The most important thing is that we take care of each other and support each other.
According to the school, the accident happened just days before Niketic’s senior prom and three weeks before graduation.
On Monday afternoon, emotional groups of friends went to the accident site, many of them leaving bouquets of flowers at the scene.
“He’s one of those people, you meet him and he glows. The most genuine human ever,” said his friend Preston Shute, holding back tears. “He had a lot of things ahead of him. I can’t really figure it out.”
NBC Chicago
