Services Set For Beloved New Lenox Men Killed In Crash

NEW LENOX, IL — Services have been set for two New Lenox natives, talented athletes and close friends who died in a crash earlier this week.

Mason Santiago, 19, and Tyler Koscinski, 20, died early Sunday when the SUV they were in struck the back of a semi on I-80 West in Tinley Park. Santiago was a Providence Catholic High School graduate, Koscinski an alum of Lincoln-Way West. Both were accomplished athletes—Santiago in football, and Koscinski in both football and baseball.

Santiago went on to play football at Saint Xavier University; Koscinski carried his love of baseball to Aurora University. Both were remembered as dedicated, talented athletes and nearly lifelong friends.

"Mason was an extremely focused and intense individual," Santiago's family wrote in his obituary. "He was a fierce competitor and wanted to be the best at his position.

"Whatever he set his mind to doing, he attacked it with 110 percent effort, never taking shortcuts, and always in high gear."

Santiago then contributed his talents to leading younger players, family said.

"After graduation from Providence Catholic, Mason took time to go back and mentor the players on the football team, whenever he had the opportunity to do so," the obituary reads.

Koscinski, too, is remembered for his warm nature and dedication to his passions.

"He was hard-working, caring, witty, funny, loving, giving, outgoing and fun to be around," his family wrote in his obituary. "Tyler had a smile that would light up any room he’d walk into. Every person who knew Tyler loved him unconditionally for so many different reasons."

Tyler cherished his role as a brother to younger sister Alyssa, older brother Connor, and older sister-in-law Sarah, his family said.

"Tyler was always the life of the party and there was never a dull moment with him, whether it was dancing or telling a corny joke, Tyler would always put a smile on your face," his obituary reads. "He was so unbelievably loved and cherished by his family and his friends, and his story will live on forever."

Visitation for Koscinski is set for Thursday, Sept. 19, from 2 p.m. until Celebration of Life at 8 p.m., at Kurtz Memorial, 102 E. Francis Road in New Lenox. Interment will be private.

Visitation for Santiago is set for Sunday, Sept. 22, from 2 to 8 p.m., at Kurtz Memorial, 102 E. Francis Rd. in New Lenox. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages memorials in Mason’s name to Providence Catholic Football or Saint Xavier Football.