BRANDON, Vt. — A tragic single-vehicle crash early Tuesday morning in Brandon claimed the life of 62-year-old David Fletcher, a longtime resident of the community. Vermont State Police confirmed that the incident occurred near the intersection of Forest Dale Road and Country Club Road shortly before 1 a.m.
Troopers were dispatched to the scene following reports of a vehicle that had struck a utility pole. When first responders arrived, they found Fletcher unresponsive inside the wrecked vehicle. Personnel from Green Mountain Power, who were already on scene, were performing CPR in an effort to save his life. Despite their efforts and those of emergency medical crews, Fletcher was later pronounced dead after being transported to Rutland Regional Medical Center.
Preliminary findings from the investigation suggest that Fletcher’s vehicle had been traveling southbound on Forest Dale Road when it veered off the west side of the roadway, colliding with a utility pole. The impact caused significant damage to both the vehicle and the pole before the car came to rest off the shoulder. The road remained partially closed for several hours as crews worked to restore power lines and clear debris.
Authorities noted that alcohol is believed to have been a contributing factor in the crash, though toxicology results are still pending. Investigators are also reviewing other possible circumstances that may have led to the collision, such as speed, weather, and road conditions. The Vermont State Police Crash Reconstruction Team is assisting with the investigation to determine the exact cause.
Residents in the area reported hearing a loud crash around the time of the incident, followed by a brief power outage. Many expressed sadness over the loss, describing Fletcher as a familiar face in the small community. Friends and neighbors shared condolences on social media, reflecting on his kindness and his long-standing ties to the town of Brandon.
As authorities continue their investigation, police are once again urging motorists to exercise caution, particularly during late-night or early-morning hours when visibility and reaction time are limited. They also reiterated the dangers of driving under the influence, reminding drivers that impaired driving remains one of the leading causes of fatal crashes in Vermont. The community now mourns the loss of David Fletcher, whose life was cut short in this tragic accident.