By Michael Donoghue, Vermont News First

Vermont Superior Court Judge H. Dickson Corbett, who has served on the bench for three years, died unexpectedly Thursday, according to friends and the judiciary.

He reportedly was found unresponsive at his Thetford home by a family member Thursday morning and taken to Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead, officials said.

Court Adminstrator Teri Corsones and Chief Judge Thomas Zonay issued a joint statement on the loss of Corbett, who was believed to be 46.

“This is a profound loss for the judiciary and for the many people whose lives were touched by his dedicated public service. He will be profoundly missed,” they said.

“Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with his family, friends, and all who mourn his loss during this difficult time,” the statement said.

Gov. Phil Scott picked Corbett as a judge in April 2023 while he was serving as the Orange County State’s Attorney. He also appointed Robert Katims to the bench at the same time.

Appointing judges is one of the most important responsibilities for any governor, Scott said. “It’s critical to identify individuals who are fair, impartial, experienced and committed to the important role they play in our system,” he said.

“I’m confident Bob and Dickson possess these qualities and more and will serve Vermonters well on the Superior Court bench.”

Corbett began as a deputy prosecutor in Orange County in 2013 and was elevated by Scott to run the office in April 2021 when State’s Attorney William Porter resigned. Corbett was elected to the role as an independent in 2022 General Election.

Scott had said when he named Corbett as state’s attorney the importance of that post.

Prior to that, he served as a law clerk and staff attorney with the Vermont Judiciary. He is a former town moderator in Chelsea.

Corbett received a bachelor’s degree in English at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill and a law degree and master’s degree in environmental law from Vermont Law School in South Royalton.