Stephen Fleck Death: Madison Man and His Dog Tragically Killed in Hit-and-Run

Stephen Fleck Death Madison Man and His Dog Tragically Killed in Hit-and-Run

Madison WI –  The Madison community continues to mourn the loss of 66-year-old Stephen Fleck, a beloved resident whose life was tragically cut short in a hit-and-run collision in 2023. The accident, which also claimed the life of his dog, has left a deep void in the hearts of those who knew him and a lingering sense of sorrow throughout the community.

Fleck, known for his love of animals and his kind, gentle spirit, was walking his dog along Schroeder Road on February 15, 2023, when a vehicle struck and killed both of them. The driver fled the scene, leaving behind a devastated community and a grieving family. Friends and neighbors remember Fleck as a compassionate man who could often be seen walking his dog in the neighborhood, always stopping to greet others with a smile or a friendly wave.

Now, nearly a year after the fatal incident, there has been a significant development in the case. On Wednesday, Tiambra Walker, the 23-year-old driver accused of causing the accident, entered a plea of not guilty in the Dane County Circuit Court. According to court documents, Walker faces multiple serious charges, including hit-and-run resulting in death, homicide by intoxicated operation of a vehicle, and felony bail jumping. If convicted, she could face up to 25 years in prison and a $25,000 fine.

The Night of the Tragedy

The events of that fateful night still haunt many in the Madison community. On the evening of February 15, Fleck was out for a routine walk with his dog, enjoying the peacefulness of the neighborhood he had called home for years. The two were crossing Schroeder Road when a vehicle, driven by Walker, allegedly struck them without stopping. The impact was fatal for both Fleck and his dog, leaving the scene of the accident as a heartbreaking reminder of the fragility of life.

For weeks, authorities searched for the person responsible, and in March 2024, more than a year after the tragedy, Walker was arrested in Peoria, Illinois. The news of her arrest brought a small sense of relief to the community, though nothing could erase the pain of losing Stephen Fleck and his loyal companion in such a senseless manner.

A Loving Community Member

Those who knew Stephen Fleck describe him as a warm and caring man who loved his dog and cherished his walks around the neighborhood. He was a fixture in the community, someone who was always willing to help a neighbor or offer a kind word. His death, along with that of his dog, shocked and saddened everyone who knew him.

“He was the kind of person who brightened your day just by walking past,” one neighbor recalled. “You could see how much he loved his dog, and they were always together. It’s hard to believe they’re both gone.”

Fleck’s family has struggled to come to terms with his sudden and violent death, made even more difficult by the fact that the driver responsible initially evaded justice. They have expressed hope that as the legal process moves forward, they will find some measure of closure, though the loss of a man like Stephen Fleck is something that can never truly be healed.

Legal Proceedings and the Road Ahead

Tiambra Walker’s not guilty plea has set the stage for a pre-trial conference scheduled for February 7, 2025. The legal process is expected to take time, and the community remains watchful as the case progresses. For many, the hope is that justice will be served, offering some sense of accountability for the tragedy that took Stephen Fleck’s life.

In the meantime, the Madison community continues to honor Fleck’s memory, reflecting on the kind of person he was and the joy he brought to those around him. Fleck’s family has asked for privacy as they navigate their grief, but they have also thanked the community for the outpouring of support they have received in the months since his passing.

As the anniversary of his death approaches, many plan to remember Stephen Fleck in their own quiet ways—whether through a simple walk with their own pets, a kind gesture toward a neighbor, or a moment of reflection on the value of life and the connections we share with one another.

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