Family and friends of Marko Niketic gathered Monday, May 13 to mark the one-year anniversary of the Glenview teen’s death in a car crash just days before he was scheduled to graduate high school.
More than 200 people—many of them former classmates and friends of Niketic—came together at the expansive memorial that has stood for the last year along the south side of East Lake Avenue at Meadow Lane. Some left fresh flowers before a stone bearing Niketic’s photograph, while priests from Holy Resurrection Serbian Orthodox Cathedral and Ascension of Our Lord Greek Orthodox Church led a short prayer service at the site.
“Even just standing here, I feel his love and his presence, hugging all of us,” said Jordyn Matles, a friend of Niketic’s. “He’s always going to be here. Just because his life is over doesn’t mean his presence and his legacy have to be over.”
Niketic, 17, a senior at Glenbrook South High School, was killed on the night of May 12, 2024 when his car was struck by a speeding 2021 Ford Mustang driven by Taeyoung Kim, then 21, of Northbrook, police said.
The crash also injured Niketic’s girlfriend, who was a passenger in his car, authorities said.
According to published reports, Kim slammed into Niketic’s Mercedes near Meadow Lane, slicing the vehicle in half.
Kim was charged with multiple felonies, including aggravated driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol and reckless homicide. He remains in custody in Cook County Jail where he was ordered held last year, according to the Cook County Court records. His next court date is scheduled for July 22.
In the days following Niketic’s death, a memorial of photographs, flowers and personal items spread across the parkway and fence at the crash site. Previous vigils have been held there, and some of Niketic’s friends said they continue to visit.
Following Monday’s service at the site, Danielle Grcic, a friend of the Niketic family, read a statement of thanks on behalf of the family for the love and support they have received from the community over the last year.
“The tragic loss of Marko has left a hole in our hearts that will never fully heal,” she read. “Marko was not just a young man; he was a soul full of light, laughter and love. He had a heart unlike any other, one who gave freely and embraced everyone around him. His spirit was magnetic; whether you knew him well or just in passing, he has left an imprint.”
For Marko’s mother, Gordana, the outpouring of support from her son’s many friends and their families has left her “speechless,” she acknowledged.
“Every single day, the parents, the kids come by,” she said. “On Mother’s Day, they never left me alone. They were constantly bringing us flowers. I’m really at a loss for words how these young kids can act so empathetically. It’s amazing. They don’t leave my side at all … I don’t know what we would do without them.”
“It’s really nice to see everyone showing up for me, my mom and my dad,” added Marko’s older brother, Luka Niketic. “Everyone wants to support us and make Marko’s name live on forever.”
Friends Jordyn Matles, Ellie Miller and Ava Langenbach each agreed that Marko wouldn’t be too surprised by the crowd of friends who gathered to remember him.
“I think he would expect nothing less from us, honestly,” Miller said with a smile.
“Seriously,” agreed Langenbach.
“Just celebrating him is important,” Miller added. “I wouldn’t expect any less of a turnout knowing how many people he has touched in his life.”
Dana Taylor, whose son Nick was a friend of Marko’s, said she is proud of the support the young men and women have shown.
“Unfortunately, they are all bound for life by this tragedy,” she said.
The Marko Niketic Foundation, which was established just weeks following his death, aims to host fundraisers and charitable events in Marko’s honor, supporting causes he would have embraced. Earlier this year, the Glenview Park District entered into an agreement with the foundation to create a memorial garden for Marko in Cole Park.
“We want his friends to have a space to reflect and we also want the community to have a place with beautiful flowers, a place to bring their lunch or read a book and just think of [Marko’s] spirit,” his mother said. “We just want to make sure it’s a beautiful, calm space.”
Ken Wexler, director of planning for the Glenview Park District, said, “We’re planning to construct the Memorial Garden starting sometime in June.” He said he believes a dedication will take place later in the summer.
