Just after 10 pm on July 4, state troopers were dispatched to a single vehicle crash involving a pedestrian crossing US Route 7 in Rutland. Upon arrival, troopers learned that a 2011 Chevy Equinox driven by Taylor Edwards-Galarneau, 24, of Proctor, struck pedestrian Gregory Merriam, 64, of Rutland.

Merriam was transported to Rutland Regional Medical Center by Regional Ambulance where he succumbed to his injuries. Investigation revealed the pedestrian was crossing US Route 7 in the Town of Rutland, as he crossed over onto the northbound lanes of travel he was struck by Edwards-Galarneau. Members from the Regional Ambulance Service and Rutland Town Fire Department responded to the scene.