A 24-year-old Alabama man died Saturday after his motorcycle left the roadway and struck a tree on VT Route 58 in Irasburg, according to the Vermont State Police.

The crash occurred at about 11:31 AM near the intersection of Houston Heights. Police identified the motorcyclist as Korban Rutherford, 24, of Hanceville, Alabama. He was operating a 2021 Yamaha YZ250X westbound when he swerved to the right, left the roadway and hit a tree.

Rutherford suffered serious injuries and was taken to North Country Hospital, where he later died despite life-saving efforts.

According to the preliminary investigation, witnesses reported that Rutherford appeared to swerve after seeing a 2022 Chevrolet Silverado HD driven by Cody Miller, 28, of Irasburg, enter VT Route 58 from Houston Heights while attempting to make a left turn.

State police said interviews with Miller and witnesses indicated the pickup briefly entered the eastbound lane of Route 58 but came to a complete stop before entering the westbound lane and did not cross into Rutherford’s lane of travel. The truck was not struck and Miller was uninjured.

The Vermont State Police, Orleans Ambulance Service and the Irasburg Fire Department responded to the scene.
The crash remains under investigation. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Vermont State Police Derby Barracks at 802-334-8881.