A Woodbury woman died late June 25 in a single-vehicle UTV crash in Lowell, and the driver faces a DUI charge, Vermont State Police said.
Responders were called to Newton Road near Cheney Road at 10:23 p.m. for a reported rollover of a 2021 Polaris RZR. The operator, Randy Lemieux II of Lowell, was evaluated and not injured. His passenger, Maddison Hayden of Woodbury, was pronounced dead at the scene. Police said she was not wearing a seat belt.
Troopers observed signs of impairment in Lemieux. He was screened and arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence. He was lodged at Northern State Correctional Facility on $10,000 bail.
Trooper Logan Miller wrote in an affidavit that the vehicle was found on its side in the roadway next to a large pool of blood, with drag marks leading to woods where Hayden's body was located. Tire tracks indicated the vehicle skidded, failed to negotiate a corner, entered a ditch, and rolled over.
A preliminary breath test about 90 minutes after the crash measured Lemieux's blood-alcohol content at 0.09%, above Vermont's 0.08% legal limit. An evidentiary test taken at the barracks around three hours after the crash showed 0.052%.
Lemieux appeared in Orleans Criminal Court on June 26 and pleaded not guilty to DUI with death resulting. He was released on conditions and is due back in court on July 7.
Police believe speed was a factor. The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information can call Vermont State Police at (802) 334-8881.
Originally reported by Hardwick Gazette.
Photo: cottonbro studio via Pexels. Photo is illustrative and not from the scene.
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