Milwaukee Bartender's Legacy Lives On In $50,000 Donation

MILWAUKEE COUNTY, WI — Christmas Eve marks one year since the hit-and-run death of a beloved Milwaukee bartender. According to a WISN 12 report, James Hanson,36, worked at the Milwaukee Brat House.

"She was just one of the most positive, uplifting people that I've ever met that I've worked with in this industry," longtime friend Andy Fronek said in the report.

A $50,000 check was presented Monday to the Hope House of Milwaukee, a charity close to Hanson's heart.

Diane Dowland of Hope House posted the following statement:

"James Hanson's family donated $50,000 to the Hope House of Milwaukee. It was the remainder of the money raised at her benefit.

James always donated her time and helped rally at all the fundraisers I've done over the years, she was an amazing, giving spirit and I'm thankful to have known her.

Thank you, Yon Hanson and family for everything. Hopefully the publicity will help bring Manuel Salazar Gutierrez to justice."

Ryan Cooke, Director of Operations for Milwaukee Brat House, Jack's American Pub and Wurstbar said James was a friend a co-worker.

"In the wake of her loss Milwaukee showed extreme kindness and generosity. We, at the Milwaukee Brat House were able to raise money in her honor and donate it to the hope house. This Thursday will mark one year since her passing. We wanted to present her donation to the Hope House to remember her this Christmas," Cooke said.

There will also be a candlelight vigil in her honor at 8 p.m. on Thursday on the corner of Howell and Dover in Bayview.

Milwaukee Police said Hanson was walking her dogs on the sidewalk on Dec. 24, 2019 on the 2600 block of S. Howell Ave. when the driver of a blue 2007 Jeep Liberty struck and killed her. Hanson's given name is Jamie.

Authorities say the driver of the hit-and-run vehicle left the scene. Police said they tracked down the vehicle that was involved in the fatal hit-and-run.

Milwaukee police say that video recorded on a surveillance camera from the area shows the suspect's vehicle also have been equipped with a roof ladder or bicycle rack which was dislodged in the crash. The vehicle likely has damage to the front passenger side light assembly and bumper.

Police in Milwaukee have identified a person of interest in the hit-and-run death of a popular Milwaukee-area bartender.

Milwaukee Police are searching for Manuel Salazar-Gutierrez for his involvement in a crash that happened on Dec. 24 at just after 8 p.m. near the 2500 block of South Howell Ave. in Milwaukee's Bay View neighborhood.

Authorities described as 6-foot-1, 250 pounds with black hair and brown eyes. He has several tattoos including "Zacateca" across his torso.

If anyone has any information on this individual or his whereabouts call Milwaukee Police at 414-935-7360 or call Milwaukee Crime Stoppers at 414-224-TIPS where you could possibly receive a cash reward of up to $1,000.

Scott Anderson, Patch Staff, contributed to this report.