Morthen Road, Wickersley: Death of Mackenzie Ball, 20, in car crash now being investigated as murder

The death of a 20-year-old man who passed away after a Rotherham car crash at the weekend is now being investigated as murder, police confirmed this afternoon.

A 20-year-old passenger, named locally as Mackenzie Ball, died when the silver Land Rover Discovery he was travelling in was involved in a collision with a Subaru Forester on Morthen Road in the Wickersley area of Rotherham at around 4pm on Sunday, June 2, 2024.

Both vehicles left the road, and despite the best efforts of the ambulance crews who attended, Mackenzie was pronounced dead at the scene.

Speaking a few moments ago (June 4, 2024), Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Inspector Matt Bolger, of South Yorkshire Police, said: “We have declared our investigation into this man’s death a murder investigation.”

DI Bolger continued: “This is in the early stages and our team of detectives are working hard with extensive enquiries to piece together the circumstances of what happened on Sunday afternoon. I would strongly encourage the public not to speculate about the incident and respect the privacy of those affected.

“We are keen to hear from anyone with any information that could help with our investigation. If you were in the area around the time of the incident, have dashcam or CCTV footage, please get in touch.”

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Following the collision, the driver and three passengers of the Subaru Forester fled from the scene on foot.

A 21-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and has been released on police bail pending further enquiries.

In the three days since Mackenzie’s untimely death, well-wishers have continued to visit the crash scene to pay tribute to him, leaving flowers, balloons and heartfelt messages.

One such tribute reads: “Mac, you turned into a fantastic young man. I’m so proud of you, things will never be the same. Will miss you mate.”

Anyone with information which could help South Yorkshire Police’s investigation, is asked to contact the force online or by calling 101.

Their online portal is available at: www.southyorkshire.police.uk/ro/report/ocr/af/how-to-report-a-crime

Dash cam and CCTV footage can be submitted to [email protected]

Please quote incident number 589 of June 2, 2024 when you get in touch.

“If you wish to remain anonymous, you can provide information via Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org”