Driver of ATV during fatal accident in court for the first time - KTTC Rochester, Austin, Mason City News, Weather and Sports

WABASHA, Minn. (KTTC) -- The family of an ATV accident victim sat in court Wednesday as the person charged with driving the vehicle faced charges for the first time. The charges of criminal vehicular operation could lead to a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.

It was on May 26 of this year when this unfortunate case began. A group of friends were riding ATVs along the Zumbro River near Hammond and from there the night took a turn for the worse.

Ashley Gerber is charged with two counts of criminal vehicular operation after consuming alcohol and operating a vehicle, causing the death of Phillip Riley of Hammond.

According to the criminal complaint, Riley, Gerber and another friend were riding an ATV along the Zumbro River.

Police were called to an accident along the river at about 1 a.m. on May 26 where they found Riley pinned underneath the ATV. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Gerber later admitted to medical personnel that she was driving at the time of the accident.

Gerber was in Wabasha County District Court Wednesday for her first court appearance. She was released on specific conditions, including a no-contact order with Riley's family.

Her next court appearance is set for November 13.