Car hits, kills WMU graduate

KALAMAZOO, Mich. (WOOD) - A vehicle hit and killed a Western Michigan University graduate as she walked along a street near the Kalamazoo campus.

The victim has been identified as Breeana Dixit, 22, from St. Clair Shores. She graduated in December 2012, a WMU official told 24 Hour News 8.

Dixit was struck by a vehicle headed west on West Michigan Avenue at the Emajean Street intersection around 12:45 a.m. Sunday.

Dixit was trying to catch up with friends who had already crossed the street, according to Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety Capt. Vic Ledbetter. She was in the crosswalk heading north along Emajean Street and did not have the right-of-way.

Dixit had just left a local bar and was heading to a condo complex, and she was wearing dark clothing, Ledbetter said.

Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety officers told 24 Hour News 8 Dixit was dead when they arrived at the scene.

Danny Mui told 24 Hour News 8 he was driving behind the vehicle involved in the wreck. He said two other drivers pulled over and rushed to help Dixit who was lying on the ground across the bike lane between a sign and a pole.

"Suddenly, there were these two cars in front of me that just pulled over on the side of the road. The drivers came out of their car and went to the side of the road, and I saw there was a body laying there," said Mui. "They sprinted to the body. They looked shocked. They looked scared, like we all would."

Mui said the woman was wearing dark clothing and apparently walking alone.

"I was speechless for a while. I was just driving and I didn't know what was going on. I kept looking back and people were stopping," said Mui. "It made me appreciate my life a little more. I've got to be very cautious of my driving."

Though the investigation is ongoing, it appears the driver was not at fault, according to Ledbetter. Authorities do not believe speed and alcohol were factors.

Ledbetter did not know the driver's exact age, but thought the driver was younger than 20 years old. It's also unknown if the driver is a student.

Police are awaiting toxicology results, but it will take several weeks before those come back.

Other witnesses are asked to call police at 269.337.8994 or Silent Observer at 269.343.2100.