Memorial Ride Commemorates 2016 Kalamazoo Tragedy
KALAMAZOO, Mich. — On June 7, 2026, the Kalamazoo community gathers to remember five cyclists killed in a tragic accident 10 years ago.
At Markin Glen Park, a permanent memorial honors the memory of the cyclists struck by driver Charles Pickett Jr. while under the influence. On that day in 2016, Pickett crashed into nine members of the Kalamazoo Chain Gang, resulting in five fatalities and four survivors. He was sentenced to at least 40 years in prison in 2018.
The memorial features five bicycles, symbolizing the lives lost. Paul Runnels, one of the survivors, commented, “We certainly miss the people who were killed… but we're happy to get together and celebrate their lives.”
Each year, cyclists ride in silence to reflect on the tragedy. Runnels noted, “It's odd… the fact that I don't have any memory of the crash. The people who witnessed it may have been affected more.” He emphasized the importance of honoring those lost while staying vigilant on the road.
The community continues to unite in remembrance, underscoring the impact of the tragedy on local lives and the ongoing commitment to cycling safety.
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