A permanent memorial at Markin Glen Park marks June 7, 2016, as a day to remember, and a day that won’t soon be forgotten.
Five bikes stand for the five people who died near the park a decade ago, when driver Charles Pickett Jr. struck nine cyclists while under the influence. All nine were part of the Kalamazoo Chain Gang, a group of riders. Four survived. Pickett was sentenced to at least 40 years in prison in 2018.
I met with Paul Runnels, one of the four survivors.
“We certainly miss the people who were killed, ten years ago now. But we’re happy to get together, and ride together, and celebrate their lives,” Runnels said…