SUN PRAIRIE, Wis. — A tragic UTV crash on August 8 claimed the life of a 10-year-old boy from Sun Prairie. Samuel “Sam” Matthew Gitzlaff, a student at Horizon Elementary School, succumbed to injuries sustained in the accident, as confirmed in his obituary.
The incident took place on private property in Clark County, according to reports from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. Officials stated that the operator lost control of the UTV, resulting in the vehicle rolling over. Authorities noted that neither a helmet nor a seatbelt was in use at the time of the crash.
The DNR highlighted that Wisconsin has the highest rates of fatal ATV/UTV incidents in the nation. This statistic underscores ongoing concerns regarding safety measures for young riders.
Sam was fond of dogs and cherished outdoor activities. His obituary recounts memorable moments including camping at the Dells with his father and brother, kayaking on the Wisconsin River, and family vacations in Mexico and Colorado.
The young boy shared a special bond with his brother, Henry, and had a passion for scary movies, Spider-Man, and the series Stranger Things, as well as a taste for music from Benson Boone.
A memorial service for Sam is scheduled to take place on Monday in Madison.