In a tragic car accident, South lost one of its very own Titans, senior Marko Niketic. 21-year-old Tae Young Kim, a South alum, was charged in Niketic’s death.
Kim has been charged with two counts of aggravated driving under the influence causing death, reckless homicide, aggravated driving under the influence causing great bodily harm, driving under the influence of alcohol, driving under the influence of alcohol (blood alcohol content over 0.8), driving under the influence of drugs, reckless driving, speeding (35 mph +), driving without lights when required, improper lane us- age, and failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident, the Glenview Police Depart ment said. At the condictions hearing on May 18, Kim was ordered to stay in police custody, WGN-TV reported.
Following the crash, three other people were also critically injured: another south student, Kim and his passenger.
Additionally, a witness said that Kim told him that he had been drinking earlier in the day, evidence from a blood draw revealed that Kim had both cannabis,
and alcohol in his system, WGN-TV reported. According to prosecutors, Kim was driving 131 mph before the crash, and was going 122 mph when he hit the car.
Kim’s father spoke to the press as he was leaving the hearing, and spoke through the family’s attorney.
“We’re very apologetic. There’s no words that can describe what happened,” Kim’s Father said, WGN-TV reported.
Vigils took place on May 14 and 15 at the scene of the crash, with hundreds of family and friends leaving flowers and photos of Niketic at the makeshift memorial. The funeral was held May 16 at St. Sava Monastery in Libertyville.
South Principal Dr. Barbara Georges extended condolences to the family, and mental health services to students.
“Death can be difficult for us to understand,” Georges said. “Students may feel shock, sadness, or confusion. What is most important is that we care for and support each other.”
Darko Spasojevich, priest at Holy Resurrection Serbian Orthodox Cathedral, described Niketic as loving and full of smiles. They also plan to help fix the fence that was damaged during the crash.
“He was always with smiles, always open, very smart, really gifted,” Spasojevich said.
