Mason Santiago, Saint Xavier University Football Star Killed in Tinley Park Car Accident

A star football player for the Saint Xavier University Football program, Mason Santiago, has died in a car accident.

Santiago’s death occurred Sunday in a crash on I-80 westbound between La Grange Road and Harlem Avenue in Tinley Park, according to the Illinois State Police.

The accident involved an SUV and a semi, although the circumstances leading up to the crash where not immediately clear.

Will County Coroner Laurie H. Summers released a statement Monday confirming the deaths of Mason C. Santiago, 19, of New Lenox, and Tyler R. Koscinski, 20, of New Lenox.

Koscinski was an Aurora University baseball star and Lincoln-Way West high school grad.

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Santiago was a sophomore at Saint Xavier University studying sports communications. He previously played football at Providence Catholic High School and the Saint Xavier Cougars in college. The 6 foot 1, 190 lb New Lenox Ill native played as a linebacker.

Tributes to Santiago popped up all over social media, with one person writing: “For our race families. Please keep the Santiago family in their prayers during this difficult time. Double nickels (#55) was one of our favorite racers when Conner entered the arena. Nothing but love, hugs and prayers during these difficult days to Mason’s parents, siblings & family during these difficult days,”