A Massachusetts man was arrested yesterday for DUI with death resulting for his role in August 14  a fatal crash on Rte. 7 in Pownal.

Kyle D. Thayer, 36, of Clarksburg was formally arrested and processed for DUI with death resulting and negligent operation with death resulting. He was subsequently released with conditions and ordered to appear in court at noon today. 

At 7 pm August 14, Vermont State Police were dispatched to a motorcycle versus UTV crash on US Route 7 in Pownal. State Police Dispatch advised that one operator had been ejected from a vehicle.

Investigation revealed that operator Thayer was operating a UTV southbound in the southbound breakdown lane of US Route 7. Thayer attempted to make a left turn onto Mason Hill Road South by crossing U.S. Route 7.  When he entered the southbound travel lane, he was struck in the driver’s side door of his UTV by a Harley-Davidson motorcycle operated by Todd Rhinemiller, 48, of Adams MA, who was operating southbound on US Route 7. Both vehicles continued off the east side of the roadway where Rhinemiller was ejected over a guardrail.

During the investigation Thayer displayed signs of alcohol impairment.  He was subsequently screened for driving under the influence and criminal charges are pending the results of a blood test. 

Rhinemiller was transported from the scene and flown to Albany Medical Center in New York, where he succumbed to injuries. Thayer was transported to Southwestern Vermont Medical Center before ultimately being flown to Albany Medical Center.