Tragedy in the Vine Neighborhood

A 51-year-old Kalamazoo man died in a hit-and-run crash last week, sparking fresh concerns among residents about dangerous speeding vehicles on South Westnedge Avenue.

Mark Allen McBride was found in the roadway with catastrophic injuries around 8:45 p.m. on Wednesday, March 25, in the 700 block of South Westnedge Avenue near Axtell Street in the Vine neighborhood. He was pronounced dead at the scene by Life EMS crews and first responders, according to the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety (KDPS).

When they arrived, officers found Mark Allen McBride, 51, in the road with serious injuries. He later died at the scene, according to KDPS.

Witnesses told investigators they saw two vehicles speeding in the area around the time of the crash. Preliminary investigation suggests McBride was hit near the intersection before the vehicle fled the scene.

Suspect Vehicle Recovered in Galesburg

Using FUSUS video integrated technology and license plate reader systems, KDPS identified the suspected vehicle, which was later recovered 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.

As of Wednesday, the case has been submitted to the Kalamazoo County Prosecutor's Office for review, according to KDPS Deputy Chief Matt Huber. However, a suspect has not yet been arrested.

Anyone who may have witnessed the crash or who 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.

A Man Who Led With Kindness

Mark Allen McBride worked for the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and was known throughout the Kalamazoo community for his generosity and caring nature.

"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 and lifelong best friend, shared memories of the special bond they shared. The brothers were about two years apart and became even closer in recent years as Mark helped him at his Berrien County vineyard.

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

Adam described Mark as someone who was always giving of his time, working his day job at the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services while helping out at the family vineyard during almost every harvest.

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

Mark McBride was not only a devoted brother but also a loving father of two and grandfather.

Community Concerns Over Speeding

The recent tragedy has reignited concerns among Kalamazoo residents about dangerous speeding vehicles on South Westnedge Avenue. Ryan Barber, owner of Kzoo Swift, a bike shop that was previously located on South Westnedge Avenue, shared his deep concerns about the situation.

Barber's shop was hit by an SUV nearly four years ago, causing him to relocate to Ravine Road in early 2024 because of crime and speeding drivers.

"It just seems like it's a racetrack to get one way or the other," Barber said. "I feel like there's a lot of people driving around without license plates, without lights, speeding, and I don't really see many people getting pulled over."

Barber now lives near the scene of the recent hit-and-run and emphasized the urgent need for action to prevent further tragedies.

"Someone lost their life, like that's horrible, and it shouldn't take that to do something about it," Barber said.

A viewer who emailed News Channel 3 raised additional concerns about the crosswalks on South Westnedge Avenue.

The crosswalks consist of two white lines and maybe a pedestrian crossing sign but nothing reflective even and definitely not anything lit up to signify the crosswalk is occupied. I see people trusting these crosswalks literally with their lives all the time....and the people driving can't see them until they are right on them.

Barber and other residents hope that increased awareness and community pressure will lead to meaningful changes in how drivers approach the Vine neighborhood.

"Be better. Take your time. Not everything is in such a big rush, rush, rush to get there 30 seconds quicker," Barber said.

Ongoing Investigation

As the investigation continues, KDPS is appealing to the community for assistance in identifying the driver(s) who fled the scene. The case remains active, with KDPS continuing to review all available evidence.

Anyone with information is urged to come forward so that justice can be served for the victim and his family.

This article is being updated as new information becomes available.