HIGHGATE, VERMONT — The quiet community of Highgate is reeling after the tragic death of 40-year-old Corey Lemoine, who was struck and killed by a truck on a fog-blinded roadway late Tuesday night.
The fatal incident occurred on a rural stretch of Route 207, where visibility had dropped drastically due to thick fog blanketing northern Vermont. According to authorities, the collision happened shortly after 9:45 p.m., when a northbound pickup truck struck Lemoine, who was reportedly walking along the roadside.
First responders from the Highgate Volunteer Fire Department and Vermont State Police arrived within minutes of receiving the emergency call. Despite rapid efforts to provide medical aid, Corey Lemoine was pronounced dead at the scene. His injuries were described as catastrophic, leaving no chance for revival.
Police say the driver of the pickup truck immediately stopped and called 911, remaining on scene and cooperating fully with investigators. Preliminary findings suggest that reduced visibility from dense fog played a major role in the tragedy. Alcohol and impairment have not been ruled out, but authorities emphasize that weather conditions were likely the key factor.
The crash site was cordoned off for several hours overnight as state police accident reconstruction teams worked under floodlights to document the scene. Tire marks, clothing, and vehicle debris were carefully photographed and collected as evidence. The highway was closed to traffic until early Wednesday morning while crews cleared the area and investigators completed their initial report.
Residents of Highgate, a small Franklin County town near the Canadian border, have expressed heartbreak over the loss. Many described the section of road as “dangerous” and poorly lit, particularly on nights when fog from nearby wetlands drifts over the highway. One resident said, “You can’t see ten feet ahead sometimes—it’s like driving through a cloud.”
Authorities are continuing to investigate the full circumstances surrounding the collision. They are reviewing potential factors including lighting, speed, driver fatigue, and visibility. An autopsy has been ordered by the Vermont Office of the Chief Medical Examiner to confirm the exact cause of death and determine whether Lemoine may have been wearing reflective clothing at the time.
Local officials have urged caution among motorists and pedestrians alike, reminding the public of the heightened dangers posed by nighttime fog. “This is a heartbreaking reminder that conditions can change in an instant,” a state trooper said. “Even familiar roads can become deadly when visibility drops.”
Family and friends of Corey Lemoine are now mourning the loss of a man described as hardworking, kind, and deeply loved by those around him. Memorial tributes have begun appearing online, with many sharing memories and prayers for his family during this painful time.
As Highgate grieves, the Vermont State Police continue to investigate this devastating accident. The tragedy underscores the unpredictable hazards of rural travel and the fragility of life when nature and circumstance collide.
