Vermont man, 49, dies in Bernardston crash

By ERIN-LEIGH HOFFMAN

Staff Writer

Published: 12-31-2024 5:09 PM

Modified: 01-01-2025 12:32 AM


BERNARDSTON — A 49-year-old man from Guilford, Vermont, died after crashing into a utility pole on Brattleboro Road (Route 5) on Tuesday morning just before 6 a.m.

According to Northwestern District Attorney’s Office spokesperson Laurie Loisel, the man, driving a Honda Civic, crashed near 546 Brattleboro Road. The victim, who was the car’s only occupant, was transported by Northfield EMS to Baystate Franklin Medical Center in Greenfield, where he was declared dead.

The cause of the crash is under investigation and the identity of the man is being withheld pending notification of next of kin.

According to Bernardston Fire Chief Peter Shedd, the man was driving southbound on Brattleboro Road when he struck the utility pole. Shedd said a LifeFlight helicopter was initially requested for the victim, but was later canceled. The Bernardston Fire and Police departments, Northfield EMS and Massachusetts State Police responded.

The official cause of the crash is being investigated by State Police detectives with the Crime Scene Services Section and the Collision Analysis & Reconstruction Section, according to Loisel. The road was cleared and reopened in both directions just before 10 a.m., according to a Facebook post by the Bernardston Fire Department.

Erin-Leigh Hoffman can be reached at ehoffman@recorder.com or 413-930-4231.