GBS Student Dead, 2 Critically Injured In Glenview Crash: Police

GLENVIEW, IL — A 17-year-old Glenview resident was killed, and two people were critically injured, following a late Sunday evening crash. Marko Niketic was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident, at the intersection of East Lake Avenue and Meadow Lane, at 12:01 a.m. Monday, according to the Cook County Medical Examiner's Office.

Glenbrook South confirmed in an email to Patch that Niketic was a senior at Glenbrook South High School.

Additionally, police said two people, who were passengers, were critically injured following the two-car crash just past 11 p.m. Niketic was a driver of one of the vehicles. The Glenview Fire Department took two others to Lutheran General Hospital, and one to Evanston Hospital, with injuries. The driver of the second vehicle involved was hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries.

Glenview police said Monday morning, East Lake Avenue was closed between Waukegan Road and Wagner Road. According to Glenview police, the road reopened at around 10:30 a.m. as an investigation into the crash continues. Police were asking motorists to avoid the area.

Glenview police are being assisted by the North Regional Major Crimes Task Force's Crash Assistance Team in the investigation.

A family member told WBBM-TV that a 17-year-old girl, who is being treated in the ICU, was Niketic's girlfriend and a fellow student at GBS.

Dr. Barbara Georges, principal at GBS, sent an email out to students and families Monday morning regarding Niketic's passing.

"Death can be difficult for us to understand, especially when it is sudden," Georges said. "Today, students may feel shock, sadness, or confusion. What is most important is that we care for and support each other. The GBS student services team is responding to the emotional needs of all students and staff by making student services personnel available."

Georges added that students may drop in to the student services department at "any time" or also visit the Glenbrook Health Center and speak with their social worker. Students and families may utilize the following services:

• Text-A-Tip: a 24/7 anonymous text-communication system for youth needing immediate mental health assistance for themselves or a friend.
• GBS: text "GBS HELP" and their message to 844-823-5323
• Titan Concern Form: GBS Students may submit anonymous communication to Glenbrook South High School regarding their safety or that of others. Click here if you wish to submit a tip.

According to Georges, the National Association of School Psychologists provides guidance for parents and guardians to have conversations with their students and support them as they navigate the loss of a classmate. In addition, she said the school is "fortunate" to have counseling centers in the community with whom GBS partners, who are available for students and families for additional support. A complete list of community resources is available here.

"If your family has recently endured a loss or similar hardship, it's possible that your student may be grappling with feelings of sadness. Please inform the school counselor of any pertinent details that could help us offer the necessary support to your student," Georges concluded in the email. "The student services department will continue to offer counseling throughout the week. Our thoughts are with the Niketic family and the entire GBS community during this difficult time."