Tragic Mother's Day Crash: High School Senior Killed by Suspected DUI Driver

In a heartbreaking incident, a 17-year-old high school senior lost his life in a devastating Mother's Day crash caused by a suspected drunk and high driver who was allegedly speeding at over 130 mph.

On a somber Mother's Day, the lives of two young men were forever altered in Glenview, Illinois, when a high-speed collision claimed the life of 17-year-old Marko Niketic and left another facing criminal charges.

According to the Glenview Police Department, the tragedy unfolded around 11 p.m. on East Lake Avenue as Taeyoung Kim, a 21-year-old, allegedly sped through a red light in his 2021 Ford Mustang, reaching speeds of up to 131 mph. Prosecutors revealed that Kim's dash camera captured him driving recklessly from downtown Chicago to a suburban street with a 35 mph speed limit.

Investigators believe that Niketic, a Glenbrook South High School senior just days away from graduation, was making a left turn onto Lake Avenue when Kim's vehicle crashed into his. Court documents obtained by NBC Chicago indicate that Kim's car was traveling at 122 mph at the time of impact, causing catastrophic damage to Niketic's vehicle.

Niketic, described by friends as a "glowing" and "genuine" individual, was pronounced dead at the scene. His girlfriend, who was a passenger in his car, sustained severe injuries, including a brain bleed and a broken pelvis. A passenger in Kim's vehicle was also reportedly taken to the hospital in critical condition.

Police allege that Kim had both alcohol and marijuana in his system at the time of the crash. His attorney spoke outside court, expressing his client's remorse and acknowledging a possible lack of supervision as a factor.

Kim has been charged with multiple offenses, including two counts of aggravated driving under the influence and reckless homicide. His next court appearance is scheduled for May 24.

The tragedy has sent shockwaves through the community, leaving Niketic's family, friends, and fellow students devastated. His parents said in a statement that they are "heartbroken and angry" and urged everyone to "drive safely and never get behind the wheel if you are under the influence of drugs or alcohol."

The Glenview Police Department and the Cook County State's Attorney's Office are continuing their investigation into the crash. The outcome of this tragic事件 serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of reckless driving and the importance of responsible decision-making behind the wheel.