A tragic car accident claimed the life of 32-year-old Thomas Stockton Jr. from Brattleboro, Vermont, on Sunday morning. The incident occurred around 8:48 a.m. on U.S. Route 5 near 2179 U.S. Route 5 in Dummerston. Vermont State Police reported that Stockton was driving south in a 2014 Subaru Impreza when his vehicle veered off the road and crashed.
Authorities said Stockton’s car drifted off the west side of the road, descended an embankment, and struck a tree. He was the only person in the vehicle and was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash. Emergency responders pronounced Stockton dead at the scene, adding to the tragedy.
Emergency personnel from the West Dummerston Fire Department and Rescue Inc. assisted state troopers at the crash site. Despite the severity of the accident, weather conditions were reported to be clear and cold, with dry road surfaces, suggesting that external conditions may not have significantly contributed to the crash.
The Vermont State Police have launched an investigation to determine the exact cause of the accident. Investigators are considering multiple factors, including potential driver distraction, fatigue, or vehicle malfunction. However, no official cause has been released as the investigation remains ongoing.
Community members have expressed shock and sadness over the loss of Stockton, who was well-known in the Brattleboro area. His death has sparked renewed calls for seatbelt safety, as authorities emphasized the importance of wearing seatbelts to prevent similar tragedies.
Police are urging anyone with information about the crash to contact Trooper James Guillaume at the Vermont State Police’s Westminster Barracks by calling (802) 722-4600. As the investigation continues, the community mourns the loss of a young life and hopes for answers regarding the circumstances of the fatal accident.
This incident has highlighted the need for heightened awareness and safety measures on the roads. As the investigation progresses, the community's support is crucial in understanding the events leading up to Stockton’s death. The heartfelt condolences of the entire community go out to his family and friends during this incredibly difficult time. The loss of Thomas Stockton Jr. serves as a somber reminder of the importance of road safety and the need for vigilance while driving.
