21-year-old St. Clair County man killed in hit-and-run

A body found in a Macomb County ditch now appears to be a victim of a hit and run.

The victim has been identified as 21-year-old Jacob Brand, who was out with friends at the Allenton Tavern on Capac Road in Allenton on Friday night.

Brand got into a car with a group of friends leaving the tavern, when for an unknown reason, he left the vehicle and began walking.

His body was found at 11:30 a.m. Saturday morning in a ditch on Boardman Road between North and Miller Roads. State police believe Brand was hit by a vehicle that left the scene.

Brand was an apprentice electrician at IBEW Local 58 in Detroit. He had studied welding at St. Clair County Community College.

"Jacob was a fun and loving person who could make anyone laugh," said his uncle, Lee Brand. "He was a great son, nephew, uncle, brother. He has so many hearts aching for him right now."

Those with any information are encouraged to call police or Crime Stoppers.

GoFundMe account found here has been set up to help family with funeral expenses.