GLENVIEW, IL – A tragic Mother’s Day crash in Illinois has led to the death of one young man and criminal charges for another. Authorities in Glenview have identified 21-year-old Taeyoung Kim as the driver responsible for the accident that resulted in the death of 17-year-old Marko Niketic.
The fatal incident occurred on May 12, shortly after 11 p.m., on East Lake Avenue between and Meadow Lane. Kim, who was behind the wheel of a 2021 Ford Mustang, is alleged to have been under the influence of both alcohol and marijuana. Evidence from Kim’s dash cam indicates that he ran a red light and was speeding from downtown Chicago to a suburban street with a 35 mph speed limit.
According to prosecutors, Kim’s vehicle was recorded reaching speeds of up to 131 mph prior to the crash. A witness account suggests that Kim’s car turned off its headlights, only to switch them back on just before colliding with Niketic’s vehicle as the teenager was making a left turn onto Lake Avenue. Court documents reveal that Kim’s car was traveling at 122 mph at the time of impact, causing significant damage to Niketic’s car.
Niketic, a senior at Glenbrook South High School who was just days away from graduation, was pronounced dead at the scene. His girlfriend, a passenger in his car, sustained serious injuries including a brain bleed and a broken pelvis. A passenger in Kim’s vehicle was also critically injured and taken to a hospital.
Kim, who made his first court appearance on Saturday, faces multiple charges including two counts of aggravated driving under the influence and reckless homicide. His next court date is scheduled for May 24.