A tragic single-vehicle crash on US Route 2 in South Hero has resulted in the death of a 77-year-old man and left a 77-year-old woman critically injured. The incident occurred around 7:23 PM near the 600 block of US Route 2.

Vermont State Police from the St. Albans Barracks arrived at the scene to find a heavily damaged 2024 Nissan Pathfinder. Preliminary investigations revealed that Robert Goddard of Little River, SC, was driving north when his vehicle veered off the road just before the Lombard Lane intersection. The car struck a cement culvert on the east side of the roadway.

Goddard succumbed to his injuries at the scene. His passenger, Carol Patch-Forguites, also of Little River, was rushed to UVM Medical Center, where she remains in critical condition.

Both occupants were wearing seatbelts at the time of the crash.

Vermont State Police are seeking witnesses to the crash. Anyone with information is urged to contact the St. Albans Barracks at (802) 524-5993.