Early Sunday morning, a tragic car accident on Interstate 80 in Tinley Park, Illinois claimed the lives of two young men, Tyler Koscinski and Mason Santiago. Illinois State Police (ISP) reported the crash occurred on I-80 westbound between La Grange Road and Harlem Avenue just before 4:30 a.m.
According to the ISP, an SUV carrying Koscinski and Santiago collided with a semi-truck. The two victims, lifelong friends since grade school, were pronounced dead at the scene. Koscinski had recently turned 20, while Santiago was a student and football player at St. Xavier University. They were returning home from St. Xavier at the time of the accident.
Tyler Koscinski’s parents, Kelly and Chris Koscinski, described their son as a bright light in their lives, a phenomenal brother and athlete with a goofy, fun-loving personality. He had a passion for baseball, having played for a year at Aurora University. He was considering a career as a PE teacher and coach. His father lamented that Tyler’s life was cut short before he could achieve his dreams.
Both families shared the deep bond between Mason Santiago and Tyler Koscinski. They met in third grade and were inseparable ever since, sharing countless memories filled with laughter, dancing, and friendly competition. Kelly Koscinski tearfully expressed that Santiago felt like another member of their family.
The Santiago family described Mason as a passionate young man full of love for everyone. They offered their condolences to the Koscinski family, sharing in their profound grief. The accident serves as a devastating reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing loved ones.
