A Richford man died in a single-vehicle crash on Vermont Route 105 in Jay Wednesday morning, June 7, according to Vermont State Police.

The incident occurred at around 7 AM. 

Joshua W Smith, 39, of Richford, was driving a 2012 Nissan Sentra when he crossed the yellow center line into the eastbound lane. Smith’s vehicle left the roadway, driving down an embankment before colliding with a tree.

Smith was pronounced dead at the scene. The vehicle suffered major front-end damage.

Two passengers were in the car with Smith. Allison Desautels, 35, and Joseph Canto, 35, both of Richford, were transported to Northwestern Medical Center with significant injuries. Police say they do not believe their injuries were life-threatening.

The crash occurred during foggy and rainy weather conditions, with the road reportedly wet at the time. The investigation into this crash is ongoing. Anyone who may have witnessed the accident is urged to call the Vermont State Police with any information they may have.

As of May 30, there were 29 crash fatalities on Vermont’s roads in 2023. There were 28 deaths at this point last year. The 10-year average is 19. The Vermont State Police updates year-over-year traffic fatality statistics every two weeks.