Wisconsin Woman Killed in Jo Daviess County Hit-and-Run; Police Search Continues

The death of a Wisconsin woman in rural Jo Daviess County, Illinois, has led to more questions and a search for the involved vehicle and driver.

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On Friday, August 29th, 2025, around 11:05 AM, deputies were called to the area of 8821 Illinois Route 78 North, just northwest of Warren. First responders found a woman lying unresponsive in a roadside ditch. Upon the initial investigation, she was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities later identified her as Nicole Burke, 37, of South Wayne, Wisconsin.

Investigators believe Burke was walking along Route 78 North on the night of Thursday, August 28th, sometime after 9 PM, when she was struck by a vehicle. After the incident, the driver of the vehicle did not stop to help or report the crash and instead left the area.

This has led to an urgent call for help to the public. The Sheriff’s Office says the vehicle involved will likely show signs of front and/or passenger-side damage, including possible damage to the passenger-side headlight or mirror. Investigators have not yet located or identified the vehicle or driver, and they are seeking any information the public can provide.

Authorities are urging the public to be on the lookout for vehicles matching the description of damage, particularly neighbors, auto repair shops, and body shops who may have noticed sudden or unexplained repairs beginning after Thursday night.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Jo Daviess County Sheriff’s Office at (815) 777-2141 or Submit-A-Tip through the Sheriff’s Office website. Tips can be made anonymously.

The investigation remains ongoing.  Other agencies assisting at the scene were from the Warren Area Ambulance, Warren Fire Department, Warren Police Department, Illinois Department of Transportation, and the Illinois State Police. As the Sheriff’s Office continues its search, community members are being encouraged to stay alert and help bring closure and justice to Burke’s family.