SUN PRAIRIE, Wis. — A tragic accident claimed the life of 10-year-old Samuel “Sam” Matthew Gitzlaff following a UTV crash on August 8. The incident occurred on private land in Clark County, as reported by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.
According to DNR records, the operator lost control of the UTV, which subsequently rolled. It was noted that neither a helmet nor a seatbelt was worn at the time of the accident.
Wisconsin has the highest rate of fatal ATV/UTV incidents in the nation, according to DNR data.
Sam was a student at Horizon Elementary School in Sun Prairie and held a deep affection for dogs and outdoor activities. His obituary reflects memories of camping trips to the Dells with his father and brother, kayaking on the Wisconsin River, and family vacations to Mexico and Colorado.
He shared a close relationship with his brother Henry and had a fondness for scary movies, Spider-Man, Benson Boone, and the show Stranger Things.
A memorial service to honor Sam is scheduled for Monday in Madison.