Two Vermonters died this weekend in separate highway incidents. 

At 8:24 pm on Friday, August 26, state police responded to a one-car crash involving an allegedly drunk driver and a pedestrian on Rte. 7 in Rutland Town. 

Upon arrival, Troopers located Chelsea Sikora, 42, of Rutland in the roadway being attended to by Regional Ambulance Service. Shortly after, Troopers were advised the female died because of the crash.

Police say Sikora was crossing US Route 7 when she was struck by a southbound 2009 Chevy Blazer driven by Brett Senif, 48, of Rutland. Troopers spoke with Mr. Senif on scene who showed signs of impairment. Mr. Senif was later arrested and transported to the State Police Barracks in Rutland for DUI.

Lost control on Rte. 58 – At 8:17 pm on Saturday, August 27, state police responded to a single vehicle crash on Vermont Route 58 in Lowell. Shortly after police and rescue workers arrived, the passenger of the crashed vehicle identified as Shane Copp, 24, of Newport was pronounced dead. 

Police say a 2004 Dodge truck was traveling west on Vermont Route 58, driven by Benjamin Chambers, 22, of Lowell. It was determined Chambers was navigating a sweeping left-hand corner when he lost control of his vehicle. The vehicle traveled off the traveled portion of the roadway where it struck a guardrail and overturned multiple times. Speed is considered to be a factor in the crash. 

The crash investigation remains ongoing, and Troopers are working with the Orleans County State’s Attorney’s Office on possible criminal charges. Vermont State Police was assisted at the scene by Lowell Fire Department, Missisquoi Valley Ambulance Services, Wrights Towing and the Vermont State Police-Crash Reconstruction Team.

Fatal fire in Rockingham – Authorities are still investigating a Rockingham structure fire that took the life of an as yet unidentified victim Thursday.

The fire took place on Old River Road at around 9:45 p.m. Police say the firefighters found the single-family residence engulfed in flames and learned the homeowner was trapped inside when they arrived.

A family member, Sallie Shibley, attempted to reach the victim who was in a separate part of the residence, but her efforts were unsuccessful. She was able to exit the residence after sustaining minor injuries and was transported to Springfield Hospital for treatment.

The victim was transported to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Burlington for postmortem examination to determine the manner and cause of death.

The origin and cause of the fire is currently under investigation.