(COLDWATER) – Sentence has been handed down to a Coldwater man who struck and killed a woman who was riding a bicycle.

Branch County Circuit Court officials say that 29 year old Jacob Ward was sentenced to serve between 2 and 15 years in prison at his sentencing Monday morning. On March 21, Ward entered into a plea agreement with the Branch County Prosecutor’s Office, pleading no contest to Operating While Intoxicated Causing Death.

In exchange for that plea, Branch County Prosecutor Zach Stempien dismissed charges of Moving Violation Causing Death, Reckless Driving Causing Death, Use Of Methamphetamine and Use of Marijuana. Stempien also dropped a Habitual Offender Fourth Offense Sentencing Enhancer.

Ward was driving an SUV on Old U.S. 27 near Nye Road during the evening of April 12, 2021 when he struck and killed 25 year old Era Hall of Coldwater who was riding her bicycle. Hall was pronounced dead at the scene.