Mason Santiago, Tyler Koscinski Obituary, Death – Two young alumni and former varsity athletes from New Lenox, Illinois, were tragically killed in a car crash on I-80 West in Tinley Park early Sunday morning. The victims have been identified as 19-year-old Mason Santiago and 20-year-old Tyler Koscinski, according to the Will County Coroner’s Office. The accident, involving their vehicle and a semi-truck, occurred in Tinley Park, and both were pronounced dead at 8:20 a.m.
Mason Santiago, a former student of Providence Catholic High School, played as a linebacker and defensive back for the school’s football team, the Celtics. In 2022, he helped lead his team to the Illinois Class 4A state championship game, where they finished as the runner-up. His contributions to the team left a lasting impression on the Providence Catholic community.
Father John Merkelis, OSA, President of Providence Catholic, expressed the deep sorrow felt by the school in response to Santiago’s death. He described Santiago as a remarkable young man whose presence had a positive impact on the school community. Father Merkelis emphasized how the loss of a young life serves as a reminder of life’s fragility. The Providence Catholic community gathered to pray for Santiago’s family and friends during this difficult time, reflecting the strong sense of unity and support within the school.
Santiago had gone on to pursue his education at Saint Xavier University in Chicago, where he continued to play football as a linebacker. He was a sophomore majoring in sports communications and had established himself as a valued member of the university’s football team. His sudden passing has left the Saint Xavier community devastated.
Saint Xavier University’s football coach, Mike Feminis, expressed shock and heartbreak over Santiago’s death. He remembered him as a good person who was well-liked by his teammates and coaches. Coach Feminis offered his deepest condolences to Santiago’s family and loved ones during this difficult time.
University President Keith Elder also addressed the student community, sharing the heartbreaking news of Santiago’s death. He described Santiago as a cherished member of the university and emphasized the support available to students struggling with the loss.
Mason Santiago. Courtesy Saint Xavier University.
Tyler Koscinski, the second victim in the crash, was a former student-athlete at Lincoln-Way West High School, where he played both varsity baseball and football. He later enrolled at Aurora University, where he joined the baseball team as an infielder. Although Koscinski was no longer enrolled at the university at the time of his death, his time there left a lasting impression on those who knew him.
James Hamad, Aurora University’s vice president for athletics, expressed his deep sorrow over Koscinski’s death. He shared that the university is praying for the families of both victims and extended support to those affected by this tragedy.
The school district overseeing Lincoln-Way West High School, District 210, is expected to release a statement addressing Koscinski’s death, as the community mourns the loss of one of its own.
The Illinois State Police are currently investigating the crash, seeking to determine the exact cause of the accident. The deaths of Santiago and Koscinski have left their families, friends, and communities in shock, and the tragic loss of two promising young lives has prompted an outpouring of grief and support.