By Guy Page
A 21-year-old Lyndon man was killed late Friday night when the car he was riding in crashed and overturned in Burke. Police say the driver, who suffered only minor injuries, has been charged with multiple offenses, including DUI Death Resulting and Gross Negligent Operation with Death Resulting.
Both the driver and the passenger who died were standout athletes at Lyndon Institute.
According to Vermont State Police, troopers were called to the scene on Mountain Drive at about 10:53 p.m. on Oct. 10 for a report of a single-vehicle rollover. A preliminary investigation determined that the 2018 Tesla Model S was traveling east when it went off the south side of the road, struck several trees, and overturned.
The passenger, identified as Whit Steen, 21, of Lyndon, was not wearing a seat belt and was ejected from the vehicle, police said. He was airlifted by DHART to the University of Vermont Medical Center with life-threatening injuries and later died.
The driver, identified as Luke Dudas, was taken to Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital for minor injuries. Police said he was processed for suspicion of driving under the influence. After being released from the hospital, Dudas was taken into custody and transported to the Vermont State Police barracks for processing.
Dudas is a 2022 Lyndon Institute graduate, where he was a Capital Division all-star member of the baseball team. He and Steen also played together on the school golf and football teams.
Investigators said both alcohol and speed appear to have contributed to the crash. The Tesla was destroyed.
State Police were assisted at the scene by the Lyndonville Police Department, Lyndonville Rescue, and the East Burke and West Burke fire departments.
Anyone with information related to the crash is asked to contact the Vermont State Police or submit an anonymous tip by texting keyword VTIPS to 274637 (CRIMES).
On August 10, state troopers cited Steen for suspicion of DUI and speeding after they observed a motorist commit multiple motor vehicle violations while traveling into the Town of Lyndon. Troopers conducted a traffic stop and identified the operator as Steen.