BURLINGTON, Wis. — A quiet early Tuesday morning turned tragic after an elderly pedestrian was struck and killed in a vehicle crash in the City of Burlington. Authorities say the incident occurred shortly after dawn, leaving the community mourning the loss of a longtime resident and prompting an ongoing investigation into the circumstances surrounding the fatal collision.
According to the Racine County Communications Center, the crash was reported at approximately 5:14 a.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 23, 2025, in the 100 block of North Main Street. City of Burlington Police and Fire Department personnel were dispatched to the scene, where they discovered a male pedestrian suffering from severe injuries. Despite immediate life-saving efforts by first responders, the man was pronounced dead at the scene.
Preliminary findings indicate the pedestrian was attempting to cross North Main Street from a private parking lot when he was struck by a vehicle traveling southbound. The impact proved fatal. Investigators temporarily closed the roadway to process the scene, collect evidence, and document the crash. The street has since reopened to traffic.
The deceased was later identified as James L. Vos, an 88-year-old resident of the City of Burlington. Authorities confirmed that the driver of the vehicle involved is a 41-year-old Burlington woman. She was not injured in the crash and remained at the scene following the incident. At this time, no criminal charges have been filed.
Police said several factors are being examined as part of the investigation, including vehicle speed, visibility conditions, roadway layout, and the exact cause of the collision. Officials emphasized that the investigation is still in its early stages and that conclusions have not yet been reached regarding responsibility or contributing circumstances.
Multiple agencies assisted in the response and investigation, including the City of Burlington Fire Department, Racine County Sheriff’s Office, Racine County Communications Center, Racine County Medical Examiner’s Office, and the Wisconsin State Patrol’s Technical Reconstruction Unit. Authorities are asking anyone who witnessed the crash or has relevant information to contact Detective Sergeant Matt Barrows at 262-342-1104 or via email at mbarrows@burlington-wi.gov, referencing BUPD Case #25-14571. As the investigation continues, the Burlington community reflects on the loss of James Vos and awaits further updates from officials.
