Elias “Eli” Kim, 16—A Life Stolen in Lake Shore Drive Tragedy

The entire community surrounding Lane Tech College Prep High School in Chicago, Illinois, is enveloped in deep mourning following the tragic loss of one of its bright, young students, Elias “Eli” Kim. Eli, a life full of promise at just 16 years old, died following a car accident on Lake Shore Drive on Thursday, November 27, 2025. The violent suddenness of his departure has sent shockwaves of grief through his family, his classmates, and his teachers, who are all struggling to process the devastating reality of his absence.

The Unthinkable Silence: A Student’s Future Cut Short

At 16, Eli Kim was at a pivotal moment in his life—a young student navigating high school, building friendships, and dreaming of the future. The loss of a young person to a fatal car accident is inherently heartbreaking, representing a cruel theft of all the potential and joy that lay ahead. The Lane Tech community is now faced with the painful task of grieving a classmate and friend whose locker will remain closed and whose seat in the classroom will remain painfully empty. Counselors and staff are supporting students as they cope with the devastating reality that one of their own has been taken so prematurely.

Lane Tech Mourns: A Community United in Grief

The tragic death of Elias “Eli” Kim has united the school and the broader Chicago community in sorrow. The outpouring of support for Eli’s family—who must now endure the most unimaginable pain—underscores the deep impact he had in his short life. As students and faculty gather to remember him, they will hold fast to the memories of the vibrant 16-year-old who walked the halls of Lane Tech. His tragic passing serves as a devastating reminder of life’s fragility and the need to cherish every moment.