A 17-year-old with a lengthy history of underage drinking citations is accused of fatally striking a marathon runner while driving drunk, then telling investigators she “didn’t care” that she hit something and later blaming the victim for being on the road.
Authorities were called to a county highway around 7:15 a.m. on March 29, 2025 after a woman was found lying in a ditch, according to local outlet WQOW. First responders attempted life-saving measures, but the woman was pronounced dead at the scene. Investigators said evidence suggested she had been hit by a vehicle, noting that car parts were found nearby.
The woman who reported the body told police she became concerned after her 17-year-old daughter came home intoxicated and said she might have struck another vehicle while driving, WQOW reported. The mother told investigators her daughter, identified as Addison Bowell, had continued drinking and using marijuana despite being sent to a military camp and receiving counseling.
When confronted by authorities, Bowell allegedly acknowledged her record, telling officers she had “like 16 underages” and “couldn’t get another one,” and said she “drank a lot” the night of the crash. Police said a preliminary blood test showed a blood alcohol content of 0.144.
Bowell allegedly told investigators she knew she hit something but didn’t know what—and said she didn’t care. She also reportedly admitted she was using her phone, was in the wrong lane, and was “completely” at fault. After being told the victim was not in a vehicle but was a woman who died after being struck, Bowell allegedly shifted blame to the victim.
“Who walks on the road at 3 in the morning?” Bowell reportedly said. “Like… bro…”
