This is our 15th year, and this story tells why…

EDITOR’S NOTE: Since 1990, this effort at providing context to the decisions of those who choose to drive impaired has resulted in the listing of hundreds of thousands of names across the nation and including reports from all fifty states. The DWI Hit Parade became, in 2011, an exclusive repository of this effort, which began in the ST. MARY’S TODAY newspaper and even continues now in THE CHESAPEAKE TODAY.
The story of Jill Burnham is relatively typical of the profound tragedy and loss of loved ones whose lives were taken by impaired drivers. In this case, criminal DWI charges are pending the outcome of blood alcohol tests of the driver who struck and killed Jill.
Many of those who died have had their obituaries included, where available. While those several hundred words can provide a glimpse at the life and family left behind by the deceased, it is rare to find such a concise and dramatic glimpse into the loss of a victim as Jill Burnham’s husband, Sean, provides.

Her husband, Sean Burnham, has posted publicly on his Facebook page a daily note to friends and family and sometimes a sketch. Sean is an artist, and his poignant prose with his cartoons puts life into the loss he and other victims feel. His unique ability to express what Jill meant to him and how he attempts to honor her memory and hold her dear to his heart is deeply inspirational. All those who have suffered losing a loved one to a driver who failed to make the right decision not to drive can understand his loss: God Bless Sean Burnham and all of his family and friends.

EAST GULL LAKE, MN – VEHICLE AND PEDESTRIAN CRASH RESULTS IN FATALITY
UPDATED 12-18-2024 –

UPDATED 12-18-2024 – Cass County Sheriff Bryan Welk reports that the victim has been identified as Jill Burnham, age 34, of Brainerd, MN. The driver of the Ford Bronco has been identified as Michael Kruse, age 57, of Nisswa, MN, and the driver of the pickup that was parked in the roadway as Amy Viehauser, age 52, of Brainerd, MN.
Cass County Sheriff Bryan Welk reports that on Saturday, December 14th, 2024, at 3:56 PM, the Cass County Sheriff’s Office received 911 calls reporting a vehicle crash involving a pedestrian on the Gull Lake Dam Road, near the intersection with Poplar Drive in East Gull Lake, rural Brainerd Minnesota. Deputies and responders arrived on the scene and learned that a 2023 Ford Bronco was westbound on the Gull Lake Dam Road when it slowed due to a pickup parked in the westbound lane. The driver of the pickup was talking to a pedestrian who was walking on the roadway. The driver of the Bronco lost control on the icy roadway when attempting to slow down and struck the pedestrian. The victim, a female age 34, of Brainerd, MN, was treated on scene before being transported to a Brainerd Hospital and later transferred to a St. Cloud Hospital. The victim died from injuries sustained from the crash on December 15th. An autopsy has been scheduled. A search warrant was executed, and a blood sample was obtained from the driver of the Bronco, a male age 57 of Nisswa, MN, on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol. Formal charges are pending blood sample results.
Assisting at the scene and with the investigation is the Minnesota State Patrol, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Nisswa Police Department, Lakes Area Rescue, and North Memorial Ambulance.

Jill Burnham Services

Jill Mia (Maine) Burnham, 34, of Brainerd, MN passed away Sunday, December 15, 2024 due to a tragic accident. Jill was born on April 30, 1990, in Willmar, MN, to Jacqueline M. (Hartnett) and Robert H. Maine. Jill married the love of her life, Sean Burnham, on June 20, 2019, and enjoyed living a peaceful life at their home in the Brainerd Lakes Area.

Jill will be deeply missed by her husband, Sean, and is survived by her parents, Jacqueline and Robert; and siblings, Katie Maine, Sarah Maine (Mitchell), and Jacin Lombardi.

Jill was a remarkable person whose passion, energy, and bright smile touched the lives of those around her. Jill’s love for her husband Sean, her dog Gibson, gardening, and a yard full of chickens, paint a picture of a life deeply connected to nature and her family. She was a dedicated runner who was devoted to her friends and local running group. Jill faithfully attended Church and loved her Christian community and Bible studies. She has left an impact on all who knew her, and she will be deeply missed.

A funeral and celebration of Jill’s life will be held at First Baptist Church in Baxter on Saturday, January 18, 2025, at 11:30 a.m. A visitation will take place before the service from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Ifyou ran with Jill, feel free to wear your running attire. Others are encouraged to wear fun socks in her honor.

In lieu of flowers, donations on behalf of Sean are requested at GoFundMe.