(Oakland, Iowa) – A judge in the case of a Pottawattamie County man charged in connection with a fatal UTV vs. pedestrian collision, has granted a continuance in the date for a jury trial. The case of 85-year-old Gene Fritz from Oakland will now take place 9:30-a.m. July 22nd, in Pott. County District Court. It’s the fourth time his trial was rescheduled. The most recent delay was granted June 30th. His case was to have been heard July 1st, prior to the most recent continuance.

When his case comes to court, the jury will decide if Fritz is guilty of Homicide by Vehicle – Reckless Driving, in connection with the December, 2024 death of 83-year-old Sandra Madron, in Oakland. Fritz has entered a plea of not guilty.

According to law enforcement reports, the incident on December 26th occurred at 570 North Highway Street, in Oakland. When deputies arrived on the scene, they found Fritz’ UTV on the sidewalk and Madron lying on her left side. She was transported to Mercy Hospital in Council Bluffs, and later died from her injuries.

Fritz had told deputies that he was heading home at the time of the crash and often drove his UTV on the sidewalk because he “can’t see well and he drives very slow.” He has said that he didn’t see Sandra Madron until he hit her and “she must have been wearing dark clothing.”

Further investigation revealed that Fritz did not have a valid driver’s license, and the UTV he was operating was not registered for roadway use.