By Guy Page

The winner of the 2001 Pulitzer Prize for a series of editorials praising Vermont’s same-sex marriage legislation was the victim of a collision caused by an on-duty deputy sheriff.

State police say the two-vehicle collision in the Addison County town of Leicester occurred on the afternoon of Monday, March 10, at the intersection of US Route 7, Leicester Whiting Road, and Fern Lake Road.

According to Vermont State Police, the crash happened at approximately 2:35 p.m. when a 2020 Ford Explorer, operated by 28-year-old Riley Benoit of Shoreham, VT, an on-duty deputy sheriff of the Addison County Sheriff’s Department, attempted to cross Route 7 from Leicester Whiting Road to Fern Lake Road. Meanwhile, a 2016 Honda HRV, driven by Moats, 77, of Salisbury, was traveling northbound on Route 7. As Benoit proceeded through the intersection, Moats’ vehicle collided with the rear passenger corner of Benoit’s Ford Explorer.

No injuries were reported in the crash, and both drivers were wearing seat belts. The road was clear, and conditions were dry at the time of the incident. Troopers determined that Benoit was at fault for failing to yield the right of way before crossing the highway. 

The Pulitzer Prize is the nation’s most esteemed journalism award. According to his Wikipedia page, Moats, then an editorial writer for the Rutland Herald, won a Pulitzer Prize in 2001 for his series of 10 editorials on issues revolving around civil unions for same-sex couples. 

The Salt Lake City, Utah native graduated from the University of California, Santa Barbara with a Bachelor’s degree in English in 1969. He was a Peace Corps Volunteer in Afghanistan from 1969-1972. Moats began working for the Rutland Herald in 1982. He was an editorial page editor for the Rutland Herald and the Barre Montpelier Times Argus from 1992-2018.

The Brandon Fire Department assisted law enforcement at the scene. Authorities remind drivers to remain cautious at intersections and always yield the right of way when required to ensure road safety.