The Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety has identified the victim of a fatal two-vehicle crash early Saturday morning as 23-year-old Ivan Peña Perez, a Kalamazoo resident.
The crash occurred around 2 a.m. at the intersection of Riverview Drive and East Paterson Street. Officers arriving on scene found Perez trapped inside his vehicle, which was emitting smoke and fire from underneath. Emergency responders quickly extricated him, but despite life-saving efforts, he was pronounced dead at the scene due to the severity of his injuries.
The second vehicle involved was found heavily damaged and abandoned nearby. Authorities have not yet located its driver. Investigators suspect alcohol played a role in the collision, but the investigation remains ongoing.
Captain Danielle Guilds, head of the Criminal Investigations Division, extended condolences to Perez’s family and friends and affirmed KDPS’s commitment to uncovering the full circumstances and holding responsible parties accountable.
Officials are actively gathering evidence, reviewing the crash scene, and appealing to the public for any witnesses or information. Anyone who saw the incident or has relevant details is urged to contact the KDPS Criminal Investigations Division at 269-337-8139. Anonymous tips can be submitted through the Kalamazoo Silent Observer tip line at 269-343-2100, the “P3Tips” app, or online.
This tragic loss has shaken the Kalamazoo community and serves as a sober reminder of the dangers of impaired driving. Authorities continue their search for the missing driver as they work to bring answers and justice for Ivan Peña Perez and his loved ones.