by Dunn County, Wisconsin — A Wisconsin teenager has pleaded guilty to multiple homicide charges in connection with a drunken hit-and-run that killed a 54-year-old marathon runner, as prosecutors detailed evidence that the teen had been heavily drinking before the fatal crash.
Addison Bowell, now 18, entered guilty pleas to three felony homicide counts in Dunn County, according to court records cited by local media. A fourth charge — hit and run involving death — remains pending.
Runner killed during early morning run
The charges stem from the March 29, 2025 death of Ann Seidl, a well-known runner who was struck while jogging along County Highway Y in the Town of Dunn, authorities said.
Seidl was pronounced dead at the scene after being found in a roadside ditch.
Investigators said the crash occurred during the early morning hours, when visibility was limited and traffic was light
Mother’s 911 call led to investigation
According to the criminal complaint, Bowell’s mother contacted emergency services after discovering Seidl’s body while leaving for work.
She told investigators that her daughter arrived home around 6:15 a.m., appearing intoxicated, and said she believed she had hit another vehicle.
The mother reported noticing damage to Bowell’s car before later spotting Seidl in the ditch nearby.
Evidence of heavy drinking found
Police said Bowell, who was 17 at the time of the crash, later admitted she had been drinking at a friend’s house prior to driving.
During a search of her vehicle, investigators found:
- Multiple empty cases of alcoholic beverages
- An empty bottle of vodka in the trunk
A preliminary breath test recorded Bowell’s blood alcohol concentration at .114, well above Wisconsin’s legal limit of .08, according to investigators.
Read Also: California Paddleboarder Heads to Trial After Alleged Ocean Assault on Female Surfer
Bowell told officers she had “a lot” to drink, according to court filings
Guilty pleas entered
Court records show Bowell pleaded guilty to the following charges:
- Homicide by intoxicated use of a vehicle
- Homicide by use of a vehicle under the influence of a controlled substance
- Homicide by use of a vehicle with a prohibited alcohol concentration
The remaining hit-and-run involving death charge is still active and is scheduled for trial.
As part of the case developments, Bowell’s $100,000 cash bond was revoked, records show.
Statements to police detailed in complaint
Investigators noted that Bowell admitted she knew she had struck something but did not stop to check.
According to court filings, she made statements indicating awareness that she may have hit a person or object before driving away.
Prosecutors cited these statements as part of the basis for the hit-and-run charge, which has not yet been resolved
Next court dates scheduled
A trial on the remaining charge is scheduled for the week of June 22, 2026, with a final pretrial hearing set for May 14.
Sentencing on the homicide convictions is expected to take place after the conclusion of that trial, according to court records.
Community impact and broader concerns
The case has drawn attention across Wisconsin to the dangers of underage drinking, impaired driving, and hit-and-run crashes, particularly involving vulnerable road users such as runners and cyclists.
Fatal crashes involving impaired drivers remain a leading cause of roadway deaths, safety advocates warn
Family members and supporters of Ann Seidl have remembered her as a dedicated runner and community member whose life was cut short during a routine morning run.
Case still unfolding
While Bowell has admitted guilt on several of the most serious charges, the legal process is not yet complete. Prosecutors are expected to continue pursuing accountability through the remaining charge before final sentencing is imposed.
What measures do you think are most effective in preventing drunk driving and protecting pedestrians? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
