In a tragic turn of events, a deadly Mother's Day crash in Glenview, Illinois, has claimed the life of 17-year-old Marko Niketic, a senior at Glenbrook South High School. The suspected DUI driver, Taeyoung Kim, 21, now faces criminal charges for the incident that reached speeds of up to 130 mph, as reported by FOX 32 Chicago.

According to the authorities, the devastating crash occurred on May 12 around 11 p.m. on East Lake Avenue. Kim, allegedly under the influence of alcohol and marijuana, was captured on his 2021 Ford Mustang's dash cam running a red light and dangerously speeding from downtown Chicago to a suburban street with a 35 mph speed limit.

Prosecutors revealed that Kim's speeds skyrocketed to a staggering 131 mph before the collision. Additionally, a witness reported observing Kim's car abruptly turning off its headlights moments before the crash. As court documents obtained by NBC Chicago note, Kim is said to have switched the headlights back on just before colliding with Niketic's vehicle. At the time of impact, Kim's car was estimated to be traveling at a speed of 122 mph, obliterating Niketic's car.

Tragically, Niketic, who was days away from graduating, was pronounced dead at the scene. His girlfriend, who was a passenger in his car, suffered severe injuries, including a brain bleed and a broken pelvis. Meanwhile, a passenger in Kim's vehicle was also rushed to the hospital in critical condition, according to the police.

Close friends and loved ones describe Niketic as a genuine and radiant individual with a promising future. Preston Shute told NBC Chicago, "He's one of those people, you meet him, and he's glowing. The most genuine human ever. He had a lot of stuff ahead of him. I can't really process it."

Kim made his first court appearance on Saturday, where a judge strongly condemned the "fast and furious deadly accident," labeling it a "brazen disregard for human life." Kim's attorney, alongside seemingly devastated parents, expressed remorse and acknowledged potential shortcomings in supervision.

Kim now faces charges, including two counts of aggravated driving under the influence and reckless homicide, as reported by FOX32. His next court appearance is scheduled for May 24.

The devastating loss of Marko Niketic serves as a somber reminder of the dangers of impaired driving and the catastrophic consequences it can have on innocent lives. As the community mourns the loss of this promising young individual, authorities continue to emphasize the need for responsible and sober driving to prevent future tragedies.