(Council Bluffs, Iowa) – A Potttawamie County man charged in connection with the death of a woman who was struck by a UTV in Oakland, received a suspended prison sentence, Thursday.

85-year-old Gene Fritz, of Oakland, appeared electronically and was sentenced to 10-years in prison. District Court Judge Eric John Nelson suspended the sentence and fined Fritz $1,370, but that was also suspended. Fritz was instead ordered to serve two years of probation.A post-sentence investigation is required to be completed within 90-days.

Any violation of his probation could mean Fritz would be required to serve the original sentence imposed by the court.

Fritz was charged with Homicide by Vehicle – Reckless Driving, following a December 26, 2024 incident in Oakland, that resulted in the death of 83-year-old Sandra Madron.

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