Teen driver who allegedly killed runner in Wisconsin suspected of drunken driving, sheriff says
A 17-year-old driver who allegedly struck and killed a runner on a western Wisconsin road Saturday may have been intoxicated at the time, according to authorities.
A 911 caller reported a woman lying in a ditch alongside County Highway Y in Dunn around 7:15 a.m., the Dunn County Sheriff's Office said. Authorities responded and found 54-year-old Ann Seidl of Eau Claire dead.
Authorities learned of a possible location for the responsible driver and vehicle. The teenage girl from Menomonie was arrested on suspicion of multiple drunken driving offenses, the sheriff's office said.
Seidl was wearing bright clothing, including a reflective vest, and "was running on the correct side of the highway when struck," the sheriff's office said.
The company Seidl worked at, Wisconsin-based company C.C. We Adapt, sent a written statement on her passing:
We are deeply saddened by the tragic passing of Ann Seidl, a valued member of our tenant support team. Ann played a pivotal role during the formation of our tenant support program, helping to build and shape services for individuals and families experiencing housing insecurity.
Her unwavering dedication, compassion, and commitment to this work laid the foundation for a program that continues to serve some of our most vulnerable community members. The impact Ann made will be felt for years to come, and her contributions will not be forgotten.
Ann will be profoundly missed by her team at CC We Adapt. Our thoughts are with her family, friends, and all who had the privilege of working alongside her.
The Eau Claire Marathon said Seidl and her son were well-known in the Wisconsin running community.
"It is with heavy hearts that the Eau Claire Marathon committee learned of Ann's passing," the marathon said in a statement. "She was one of our most dedicated participants, and we will deeply miss seeing her both on the course and cheering for [her son]."
Multiple agencies are investigating the crash.
