Man Hit and Killed on South Westnedge Avenue, Car Discovered Days Later Unoccupied in Galesburg

*KALAMAZOO, Mich.* — A 51-year-old Kalamazoo resident lost his life in a devastating hit-and-run crash on South Westnedge Avenue, with the vehicle later found unoccupied days later in neighboring Galesburg, according to the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety.

Mark Allen McBride was pronounced dead at the scene following a collision around 8:45 p.m. on Wednesday, March 25, in the 700 block of South Westnedge Avenue near the intersection of Axtell Street, KDPS officials confirmed.

Witnesses told investigators they saw two vehicles traveling at high speed in the area around the time of the crash, leading officers to believe one of those vehicles struck McBride before fleeing the scene.

Vehicle Located Days Later in Galesburg

Using FUSUS video integrated technology and license plate reader systems, KDPS was able to identify the suspected vehicle, which was later recovered unoccupied in Galesburg. The Kalamazoo Forensics Crime Lab processed both the crash scene and the recovered vehicle as part of the investigation.

South Westnedge Avenue was closed for several hours between Axtell and Pioneer streets during the investigation, disrupting traffic in the busy commercial area of Kalamazoo.

A Man Remembered for His Kindness and Generosity

McBride's family has released a heartfelt statement about their loss, describing him as a beloved member of the Kalamazoo community who was known for his kindness, generosity, and genuine care for others.

"We are heartbroken by the tragic loss of Mark, a beloved son, brother, father, grandfather, friend, and member of the Kalamazoo community," the family said in their statement. "Mark was the kind of person who showed up for others without being asked; someone who led with kindness, generosity and a genuine care for the people around him. He was a hard worker with an incredible sense of humor, and he had a way of making people feel seen, valued and at ease. His absence leaves an immeasurable void in the lives of all who knew him."

Adam McBride, Mark's younger brother, spoke publicly about their close relationship, describing them as having been inseparable throughout their lives.

"He was my lifelong best friend growing up," Adam said. "We were about two years apart, some people said we were Irish twins. He was involved in almost every harvest that we had. He was helping people all week long doing his day job and then when he had free time, he was helping me. He was just always giving of his time."

Adam noted that Mark worked for the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and always had a passion for helping others. He was also a father of two and had recently become a grandfather, with the family preparing for upcoming milestones.

Family Requests Privacy as Investigation Continues

The family has asked for privacy as they navigate this incredibly difficult time, but they have made it clear that they remain grateful to law enforcement for their work.

"His family is grieving this unimaginable loss and asks for privacy as we navigate the days ahead. This remains an active and ongoing investigation, and out of respect for that process, we are unable to share additional details at this time," the family statement read. "We are grateful to law enforcement for their work and ask anyone with information to come forward. We appreciate the outstreaming of support and ask that you keep Mark and his family in your thoughts during this incredibly difficult time."

Anyone with Information Requested

KDPS is seeking anyone who may have witnessed the crash or who has information about the suspect. Anyone with information is asked to contact KDPS Criminal Investigations at 269-337-8139.

Anonymous tips can be submitted through Kalamazoo Silent Observer at 269-343-2100, via the P3Tips app, or online at kalamazoosilentobserver.com.

As of Wednesday, the case has been submitted to the Kalamazoo County Prosecutor's Office for review, KDPS Deputy Chief Matt Huber confirmed.