October 27, 2025 | By: Crystal Anlage, PCC Advocate

Makye Vogel, who everyone knew as “Kye,” was a 16-year-old from Jacksonville, Florida, with the kind of personality you couldn’t forget. He was funny, full of life, and had a smile that could light up any room.

On April 1, 2023, just days before his 17th birthday, Kye’s life was taken from him. He had gone to a birthday party at The Avenues apartment complex on Baymeadows Circle. At one point, he stepped outside to answer a phone call and never came back. Losing him so suddenly broke the hearts of his family, friends, and the whole community.

Kye had big dreams for his future. He loved basketball and wanted to play professionally one day, but he also thought about becoming a chiropractor. No matter what path he chose, he wanted to be successful and make the people around him proud.

His mom, Heather, remembers one special night when she dragged Kye and his siblings to Disney on Ice. “Watching Kye, Jai, and their friend Jerry was so funny—I think they had more fun than Amir! Aniessa and I couldn’t stop laughing. It was such an amazing night, one I’ll never forget,” she said. That was Kye—always finding a way to bring joy wherever he went.

His friend Jerry, who first met him in 5th grade, remembers how their friendship started on the basketball court. Kye was beating him badly, but instead of it being the end of the story, it became the start of a bond. Later, Jerry laughed about the time they took his mom’s car, with her permission, and let Kye drive. The car ended up in a big puddle of water, and Jerry took the blame. That was one of many adventures they shared together.

Another close friend, Elijah “Peanut” Carter, met Kye in 7th grade. He recalled the time they told their parents they were staying the night at each other’s houses, but instead stayed out all night hanging out and walking around with girls. They were caught when they came back, but it became one of their funniest memories. For Peanut, Kye’s death left a lasting mark. “His murder changed my whole life. I don’t show love anymore, I don’t trust people, and I haven’t been the same since.”

To his family, Kye was more than a son and brother—he was the protector, the peacemaker, and the one who could always make everyone laugh. His mom called him her right hand and the man of the house. He loved his siblings deeply—playing video games with Jaiden, teasing Aniessa, and spoiling Amir with late-night Wendy’s runs for a biggie bag.

Kye had a lot of favorites that showed his fun side. He loved chicken curry, Hot Cheetos, lemonade, his Oma’s mac and cheese, and homemade cookies. He loved his Jordans, designer clothes, and the color red. His favorite shows and movies were Airbender, Scarface, Naruto, and Goodfellas, and he could spend hours playing 2K, Madden, or GTA. He enjoyed the beach, Christmas lights in St. Augustine, and family holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas, Halloween, and Easter egg hunts with Amir.

People close to him describe him as loving, caring, funny, loyal, and real. He had a cheesy smile, a contagious laugh, and always found ways to make people crack up. He had inside jokes with his mom, couldn’t take a serious photo without making a face, and often said, “it be like that sometimes.” He also looked out for kids who were bullied, taking them under his wing and making them feel like family.

On April 11, 2023, what would have been his 17th birthday, his family and friends gathered for a candlelight vigil. Many wore red and black, his favorite colors. They shared stories, cried, laughed, and promised never to let his memory fade. Heather said, “I’m not going to let him be forgotten. He will not be forgotten.”

If his family had to describe him in one word, they’d choose legendary. He was courageous, funny, respectful, and full of love. If he could leave a message behind, his mom believes it would sound just like him—simple, silly, but filled with love: “Yooooooo, y’all green,” followed by his giggle, a playful gesture, and then, “love you.”

Kye’s life was cut short, but the impact he left behind is powerful. He will always be remembered for his laughter, his kindness, and the way he loved people.

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Anyone with information concerning Makye Vogel’s unsolved homicide is asked to call the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office at 904-630-0500. To remain anonymous and possibly be eligible for a reward, call First Coast Crime Stoppers at (866) 845-8477.

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