Published on August 12, 2025
The driver who died in last week’s fatal crash in Kalamazoo has been identified as Ivan Peña Perez.
The crash happened at approximately 2 a.m. on Aug. 9 when Kalamazoo Public Safety officers were dispatched to the area of Riverview Drive and East Paterson Street for a two-vehicle collision. Officers arrived to find both vehicles heavily damaged, one off the roadway with the driver trapped inside and the other unoccupied near the intersection.
Officers located a 23-year-old Kalamazoo man inside the first vehicle with smoke and fire coming from underneath the car. The fire was extinguished, and the driver was extricated. Life-saving measures were attempted but he was pronounced dead at the scene due to the severity of his injuries.
“Kalamazoo Public Safety extends our heartfelt condolences to the friends and family of Mr. Perez during this incredibly difficult time,” said Danielle Guilds, Captain of the Criminal Investigations Division. “We also want to assure the community that we remain committed to finding answers about what happened that night.”
Anyone with information about this crash is urged to contact the Criminal Investigations Division at 269-337-8139. Anonymous tips can also be submitted through the Kalamazoo Silent Observer tip line at 269-343-2100, via the “P3Tips” app, or online at www.KalamazooSilentObserver.com.
By authority of: Public Information Officer Zach Hamelton