Investigators Release New Details in Fatal Jo Daviess County Hit-and-Run Death of Wisconsin Woman

The Jo Daviess County Sheriff’s Office has released additional information in the investigation into the death of Nicole Burke, 37, of South Wayne, Wisconsin, who was struck and killed while walking along Illinois Route 78 North late on Thursday, August 28, 2025.

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Burke was found unresponsive in a roadside ditch the following morning, August 29th, 2025, near 8821 Illinois Route 78, just northwest of Warren. She was pronounced dead at the scene. Investigators believe she was struck shortly after 9 PM the night before by a vehicle that fled without stopping.

Authorities say the vehicle involved should have noticeable passenger-side damage, including a broken bumper, headlight lens, mirror, and possibly radiator, coolant, or air temperature sensor damage. Investigators are working to determine if parts recovered at the scene can be linked to a specific make or model.

In their update, the Sheriff’s Office shared that Burke and her boyfriend, Jason Briand, were together earlier that evening at Smiley’s Pub in Warren after spending the day shopping and visiting local establishments. Witnesses last saw Burke alone near Main and Water Streets in Warren. She appeared distressed and possibly under the influence of alcohol. Briand was later confirmed by license plate reader footage to be outside of Warren around 8 PM in Burke’s Dodge Caravan. Authorities say the vehicle was seized and showed no evidence of damage connected to the hit-and-run incident.

Investigators used Burke’s Life360 app data and phone records to track her movements. At approximately 8:38 PM, she left downtown Warren and walked north on Route 78. She remained in that area until shortly after 9:13 PM, when communications from her phone stopped abruptly. Investigators believe she was struck close to that time. Witnesses driving in the area around 9:30 PM did not see her, suggesting she was already off the roadway.

Based on recovered evidence, investigators are confident the vehicle that hit her has passenger-side damage. They also noted, as speculation, that the vehicle may have a higher ground clearance, such as an SUV or truck, and could have been equipped with a brush guard or fender protection system.

The Illinois State Police Traffic Crash Reconstruction Unit has confirmed that Burke’s injuries are consistent with being struck by a vehicle. Multiple search warrants have been executed, including for nearby cellular phone records, as authorities work to identify the driver.

The Sheriff’s Office is asking anyone with information, video footage, or tips to call (815) 777-2141 or use the Submit-A-Tip option on the Jo Daviess County website. Tips may be given anonymously. This investigation remains active, with authorities urging the public to report any vehicles with recent unexplained passenger-side damage or repairs.

Original Article Published on 9/2/2025