MASON CITY — A Mason City distracted driver has been sentenced to prison after pleading guilty in connection with a 2024 auto crash that killed a local woman who was walking home, along the side of a road.
Jade Danielle Quam (pictured at top), 19, was sentenced June 22, 2026, in Cerro Gordo County District Court after pleading guilty to involuntary manslaughter, a Class D felony. The case stems from the July 24, 2024, crash that killed 42-year-old Jennifer Dawn Buls-Vrba of Mason City.
Quam had originally been charged with homicide by vehicle — reckless driving, a Class C felony. Court records show the charge was amended as part of a negotiated guilty plea, and Quam was adjudicated guilty of involuntary manslaughter.
District Court Judge Blake H. Norman sentenced Quam to five years in prison. She was also ordered to pay a $1,025 fine, complete a DNA requirement and perform 50 hours of community service, according to court records.
The fatal crash happened at about 6:12 PM on July 24, 2024, in the 1500 block of Plymouth Road in Mason City. According to earlier information from the Iowa State Patrol, Quam was driving a 2004 GMC Envoy southbound when the vehicle struck Buls-Vrba, who was apparently walking home after her bicycle got a flat tire. Buls-Vrba was transported by ambulance to MercyOne North Iowa Medical Center, where she was later pronounced dead.
NIT previously reported on the fatal crash here: Mason City woman killed when struck by teen driver.
The case has drawn strong emotion in court. Court filings show multiple victim impact statements were filed by the Cerro Gordo County Attorney’s Office before sentencing.
Quam’s attorney filed a motion June 23 asking the court to reconsider the sentence. The motion came one day after Quam was sentenced.
According to court filings, Quam’s defense had previously filed a sentencing memorandum asking for a deferred judgment. A separate report from Radio Iowa noted that prosecutors and the pre-sentence investigation had recommended a suspended five-year sentence with probation, while prosecutors also said Quam could ask for a deferred judgment.
Judge Norman set a reconsideration hearing for 8:00 AM on September 18, 2026. Court records indicate the reconsideration will be handled “on paper.”
The case was filed in Cerro Gordo County District Court as State vs. Jade Danielle Quam, case number FECR033898.