Tragic Loss on Westnedge Avenue: 51-Year-Old Mark McBride Killed in Hit-and-Run Crash

*KALAMAZOO, MI* — A fatal hit-and-run crash on South Westnedge Avenue has claimed the life of 51-year-old Mark Allen McBride, with investigators now working to identify the individuals inside a vehicle recovered unoccupied in Galesburg.

The incident occurred around 8:45 p.m. on Wednesday, March 25, in the 700 block of South Westnedge Avenue near the intersection of Axtell Street. Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety officers responded to reports of a personal injury crash and found McBride in the roadway with catastrophic injuries, according to KDPS Deputy Chief Matt Huber.

Life EMS crews pronounced him dead at the scene.

Two Vehicles Spotted Speeding, One Suspected in Crash

Witnesses told investigators they saw two vehicles traveling at high speed during the time of the crash. KDPS says investigators believe one of those vehicles struck McBride before leaving the scene.

Using FUSUS video integrated technology and license plate reader systems, KDPS identified the suspected vehicle and later recovered it unoccupied in Galesburg. The Kalamazoo Forensics Crime Lab processed both the crash scene and the recovered vehicle.

South Westnedge Avenue was closed for several hours between Axtell and Pioneer streets during the investigation.

Family Releases Statement on 'Unimaginable Loss'

Mark Allen McBride, 51, died after hit-and-run on March 25, 2026, in Kalamazoo, Mich. (Joshua Diedrich/WWMT)

McBride's family has released the following statement:

"We are heartbroken by the tragic loss of Mark, a beloved son, brother, father, grandfather, friend, and member of the Kalamazoo community. 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. His family is grieving this unimaginable loss and asks for privacy as we navigate the days ahead."

Adam McBride, Mark's younger brother, told News Channel 3 that the past week has been very difficult for the family.

"Just a lot of shock and sadness, its been difficult," Adam McBride said.

Adam McBride explained that he and his brother were very close, describing them as "Irish twins" who were lifelong best friends growing up.

"We were about two years apart, some people said we were Irish twins," Adam McBride said. "He was my lifelong best friend growing up."

Mark McBride worked for the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and always had a passion for helping others. Adam McBride said he and his brother's bond strengthened over the last few years, as Mark would help him out at his Berrien County Vineyard.

"He was involved in almost every harvest that we had," he said. "He was helping people all week long doing his day job and then when he had free time, he was helped me. He was just always giving of his time."

McBride was not only a caring, hardworking loving brother, but also a father of two and a grandfather.

Case Submitted to Prosecutors

As of Wednesday, the case has been submitted to the Kalamazoo County Prosecutor's Office for review, according to Huber.

Anyone who may have witnessed the crash or has information on the suspect(s) 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.

Community Shock on South Westnedge After Fatal Crash

The hit-and-run incident has sent shockwaves through the Kalamazoo community, with residents expressing concern about speeding on South Westnedge Avenue following the tragic accident.

Preliminary investigation, officers say, suggests McBride was struck near the intersection of Axtell Street. Witnesses also told officers they saw two cars traveling at high speed during the time of the crash.

When they arrived, officers found McBride, of Kalamazoo, in the road with serious injuries. He later died at the scene, according to KDPS.

The following day, investigators found the car involved in the hit-and-run unoccupied in Galesburg.

Service Scheduled for Former Wayland Man

A former Wayland man was killed March 25 in a hit and run traffic incident Wednesday, March 25, in Kalamazoo. Mark Allen McBride, 51, of Kalamazoo, was struck by a vehicle and pronounced dead at the scene. Witnesses reported seeing two vehicles speeding in the area at the time of the crash.

Service is April 9 for the former Wayland man, hit-and-run victim.

Anyone who may have witnessed the crash or has information is asked to call the KDPS Criminal Investigations Division at 269-337-8139 or Silent Observer at 269-343-2100.

Related Coverage:

  • Car involved in fatal Kalamazoo hit-and-run crash recovered
  • Kalamazoo residents concerned about speeding on South Westnedge after fatal hit-and-run

Investigation Ongoing, Search for Suspects Continues

Police have not yet identified any suspects, and the case remains active. The Kalamazoo Forensics Crime Lab processed both the crash scene and the recovered vehicle.

Anyone who saw the crash or has information should contact the KDPS Criminal Investigations Division immediately. The family has asked for privacy as they navigate this incredibly difficult time.

Statement from Family:

"This remains an active and ongoing investigation, and out of respect for that process, we are unable to share additional details at this time. We are grateful to law enforcement for their work and ask anyone with information to come forward. We appreciate the outpouring of support and ask that you keep Mark and his family in your thoughts during this incredibly difficult time."

Contact Information:

  • KDPS Criminal Investigations: 269-337-8139
  • Kalamazoo Silent Observer: 269-343-2100
  • Online tips: kalamazoosilentobserver.com
  • P3Tips app available

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