Marian Catholic Senior Killed In Auto Accident

CHICAGO HEIGHTS, IL —Justin Young, a Marian Catholic senior and former member of the Spartans' football team, was killed March 18 in a two car accident in unincorporated Rich Township. The school announced Young's death to students and parents the following day, and released a statement on Monday.

"Justin Young was a kind, quiet young man who left a lasting impression on his friends, teachers and coaches by treating everyone with respect and positivity. He will be greatly missed," Marian Principal Steve Tortorello said in a statement about Young, who lived in Matteson.

Marian held a socially-distant prayer service in Young's honor Friday afternoon. A day later, the Spartans football team held a moment of silence for Young before its season opener at home against Woodstock Marian Central. The Spartans also wore the initials JY on their helmets to honor Young, a former defensive back who played three seasons in the program.

Marian Catholic announced that grief counselors were available to all students both in person and virtually.

According to reports in the Times of Northwest Indiana, at 9:58 p.m. Thursday, police were called to the site of a two vehicle crash near Governors Highway and Polk Avenue in unincorporated Rich Township.

Investigators discovered that a Buick sedan, traveling south on Governors Highway without its headlights, had crossed the center line and struck Young's Ford coupe, which was traveling Northbound.

Young and the 35-year-old woman driving the Buick, were pronounced dead at the scene. There were no other occupants in either vehicle.