Firefighters responding to a blaze at a trucking company in Crestwood, Illinois, made a grim discovery when they found the body of the company’s CEO on the second floor of the building.
Dane Koteski, 46, the CEO and president of ATG Truckload, Inc., was found dead after emergency crews extinguished a fire at his business on Wednesday, March 5, 2025. Investigators quickly determined that Koteski’s death was not accidental, as he had sustained severe injuries to his neck.
The Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office ruled Koteski’s death a homicide, determining that he died from injuries to his neck caused by a sharp or pointed object.
Following an investigation involving the Crestwood Police Department, the South Suburban Major Crimes Task Force, and the State Fire Marshal, authorities identified one of Koteski’s own employees as the primary suspect in his murder.
Investigators believe the crime was an isolated incident that specifically targeted Koteski, though the exact motive behind the killing remains under investigation.
Law enforcement officials tracked the unnamed suspect to a truck stop in Holland, Michigan, where he was taken into custody. The Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office in Michigan assisted with the arrest.
According to a GoFundMe page organized by Zoran Nikolovski, Koteski was described as a devoted father, son, and brother. The organizer highlighted Koteski’s generosity and kindness, noting his active involvement in both the Macedonian and Serbian communities and church.
Koteski was well-known in the local community as a devoted father to his 13-year-old son, Kiko. Neighbors described him as an active member of his local Serbian church and car club.
A neighbor interviewed by WGN9 expressed profound sadness over the situation, describing it as beyond horror.
Those who knew Koteski portrayed him as a hardworking family man who would routinely go to work early and return home to care for his dogs and son, according to reports.
A second GoFundMe campaign organized by Zvezdana Rojina aims to raise $250,000 to support Kiko’s mother in caring for him and to help cover living expenses for Koteski’s sick mother and sister in Macedonia. According to the campaign page, any funds raised beyond $250,000 should be used to settle debts owed to his loyal drivers, friends, and employees.
The original GoFundMe campaign, which was established to cover Koteski’s funeral expenses and contribute to his son’s education, had raised more than $94,000 of its initial $12,000 goal.
The Crestwood Police Department and the South Suburban Major Crimes Task Force, in cooperation with the Cook County State’s Attorney’s office, are continuing their investigation into the circumstances surrounding Koteski’s death.
Authorities have not yet released the identity of the suspect or provided specific details about what may have led to the killing. The suspect is expected to face formal charges in Illinois.
