Ann Seidl Eau Claire WI, Dunn County, Wisconsin Death, Obituary – The running community in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, and beyond is mourning the tragic death of Ann Seidl, a 54-year-old mother and avid runner, who was killed in a hit-and-run incident on March 29, 2025. Seidl, who was struck while running on the morning of March 29, is being remembered not only for her love of running but for her unwavering kindness, support, and spirit.
A Tragic Loss
Seidl was found in a ditch along the roadway in the town of Dunn in Dunn County, shortly after 7 a.m. on that fateful morning. According to the Dunn County Sheriff’s Office, Seidl was wearing bright clothing and a reflective vest, taking proper precautions for her safety while out on her run. Despite these precautions, she was hit by a vehicle driven by a 17-year-old girl. The driver later admitted to her mother that she had struck something but was unclear about what she had hit. Authorities later identified the driver and arrested her on multiple charges, including hit-and-run causing death and homicide by intoxicated use of a motor vehicle.
Seidl’s sudden death has left the community in shock, with her loved ones, friends, and fellow runners struggling to come to terms with the loss of such a beloved figure.
A Legacy in the Running Community
Ann Seidl was a fixture in the Eau Claire running community. She was a regular participant in local races and a long-time supporter of the Eau Claire Marathon. Ann was described as a “legacy member” of the marathon, having been a part of the event since it was taken over by the current race committee in 2012. Every year since then, she participated in the marathon, a testament to her dedication and passion for running.
Heather Market-Sullivan, a member of the Eau Claire Marathon race committee, reflected on Seidl’s impact: “Ann was someone who made you feel good. She was a cheerleader, believing in everyone, no matter what their goal was.” Seidl’s positive influence extended beyond just her running achievements; she was known for her warmth and encouragement, always supporting others in the background. Her ability to make others feel uplifted, whether on the sidelines with high-fives and hugs or offering words of encouragement, made her an invaluable part of the running community.
More Than Just a Runner
For Ann, running was more than a sport—it was a way to give back to others. She was involved in Team Triumph, a local organization dedicated to helping athletes with disabilities participate in races. In Team Triumph, the “captains” are the athletes who need support, often pushed in wheelchairs or guided during the race. The other participants, known as “angels,” take turns pushing the wheelchair or assisting the captain. Seidl played a key role as one of the “angels,” embodying the spirit of selflessness that she brought to every aspect of her life.
Market-Sullivan recalled a particularly touching moment from a race, where Ann and her son, Parker, took part in a Team Triumph event. “In the picture, Parker is crossing the finish line with his arms raised, full of joy at what they’ve just accomplished. Right across the bib is the word ‘Angel,’” Market-Sullivan shared, visibly moved. “It gives me goosebumps to think about it. Ann truly was an angel in every sense of the word.”
A Mother’s Love
Above all, Ann Seidl was a loving mother. She is survived by her three sons, and her friends describe her as the kind of mom anyone would want to have—or be. Market-Sullivan summed up Ann’s maternal love and strength, saying, “She was the type of mom that anyone would either want to be or the type of mom that anyone would want to have.”
Her impact on her family and her community was profound, and her memory will live on through the lives she touched with her kindness, generosity, and infectious spirit.
A Community in Mourning
As the Eau Claire and Dunn County communities come together to mourn Seidl’s untimely passing, those who knew her are honoring her legacy by reflecting on the joy and positivity she brought to the world. Ann Seidl’s death has left an undeniable void, but the memories of her warmth, support, and infectious enthusiasm will continue to inspire all those who had the privilege of knowing her.
The local running community has lost a champion, but they will forever hold Ann Seidl in their hearts as both a beloved runner and an “angel” who cheered them on every step of the way.
