The quiet streets of Dunn County, Wisconsin, were shattered by tragedy on the morning of Saturday, March 29, 2025, when Ann M. Seidl, a 54-year-old woman from Eau Claire, lost her life in a devastating hit-and-run incident. Known for her dedication to fitness and her vibrant presence in the community, Seidl’s untimely death has left a void felt deeply by family, friends, and neighbors. Her life was cut short as she pursued her routine morning run, a moment of personal strength turned fatal by the reckless actions of a 17-year-old driver now facing serious criminal charges.
The sequence of events unfolded just after dawn, around 7:15 a.m., when authorities received a distressing call reporting a body lying in a ditch along Dunn County Highway Y, between 330th and 370th Avenue. Deputies arrived swiftly, only to find Seidl motionless off the roadway, her body bearing the marks of a violent collision. Despite the efforts of emergency responders, she was pronounced dead at the scene, a grim conclusion to what began as an ordinary day. Sheriff Kevin Bygd, addressing the press later that day, painted a somber picture of the discovery, emphasizing the shock that rippled through the tight-knit rural community.
Investigators worked diligently in the hours that followed, combing the area for clues and acting on tips about the vehicle involved. Their efforts led them to a 17-year-old girl from the region, who was arrested later that day on suspicion of operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated, hit-and-run resulting in death, and homicide by intoxicated use of a motor vehicle. The swift arrest brought a measure of relief to authorities, but it did little to ease the pain of Seidl’s loss. The teenager, whose identity remains withheld due to her age, is scheduled to appear in a Dunn County courtroom at 1:15 p.m. on Monday, March 31, for a bond hearing that will determine the next steps in this unfolding legal saga.
Court records reveal a troubling detail about the suspect: just weeks earlier, on March 14, she had been cited for underage drinking, a red flag that now looms large in the context of Saturday’s tragedy. Questions are mounting about how this young driver came to be behind the wheel in an allegedly impaired state, and whether earlier intervention might have altered the course of events. The incident has sparked a broader conversation about the perils of impaired driving, particularly among teenagers, whose inexperience and impulsivity can amplify the dangers of such reckless behavior.
Ann Seidl, by all accounts, did everything right that morning. She wore bright clothing and a reflective vest, ensuring she stood out against the early light, and ran on the proper side of the highway, adhering to safety guidelines meant to protect pedestrians. Yet, these precautions were not enough to shield her from the vehicle that struck her and fled, leaving her crumpled in the roadside ditch. Sheriff Bygd noted her visibility with a tone of frustration, underscoring the senselessness of the collision. Seidl’s commitment to safety stood in stark contrast to the apparent disregard of the driver who ended her life.
As the investigation continues, authorities are piecing together the moments leading up to the crash, seeking to understand the full scope of what transpired. Evidence collected from the scene, witness statements, and an examination of the suspect’s vehicle will likely play critical roles in building the case. For the community, however, the focus remains on mourning a woman whose life was defined by vitality and care for those around her. Vigils are already being planned, and local leaders have called for renewed efforts to address drunk driving, hoping to prevent another family from enduring such heartbreak.
The teenager’s bond hearing on Monday will mark the beginning of a legal process that could stretch on for months, as prosecutors weigh the gravity of the charges against the complexities of her youth. For now, Dunn County grapples with the aftermath of a preventable tragedy, one that has claimed a beloved member of its fabric and exposed the fragility of life on its quiet roads. Ann Seidl’s memory, carried by those who knew her, serves as a poignant reminder of the stakes involved every time a driver chooses to ignore the rules that bind us all.