STATE OF VERMONT
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
VERMONT STATE POLICE
NEWS RELEASE
MOTOR VEHICLE CRASH
CASE#: 26B4001361
RANK / TROOPER FULL NAME: Trooper Ryan Gardner
STATION: Rutland
CONTACT#: (802) 773-910
DATE/TIME: 02/22/2026 / 1714 hours
STREET: Us Route 7
TOWN: Rutland
LANDMARK AND/OR CROSS STREETS: Post Road
INTERSTATE MILE MARKER: N/A
WEATHER: Clear
ROAD CONDITIONS: Dry
VEHICLE #1
OPERATOR: Robert Fish
AGE: 78
SEAT BELT? Yes
CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Pittsford, VT
VEHICLE YEAR: 2018
VEHICLE MAKE: GMC
VEHICLE MODEL: Sierra
DAMAGE TO VEHICLE #1: Front-end
INJURIES: Minor
HOSPITAL: N/A
VEHICLE #2
OPERATOR: Laura Coleman
AGE: 64
SEAT BELT? Yes
CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Rutland, VT
VEHICLE YEAR: 2021
VEHICLE MAKE: Dodge
VEHICLE MODEL: Ram
DAMAGE TO VEHICLE #1: Front-end
INJURIES: Minor
HOSPITAL: Rutland Regional Medical Center.
SUMMARY OF CRASH: On February 22, 2026, at approximately 1714 hours, Vermont State Police-Rutland Barracks were notified of a two-vehicle crash located on US Route 7 near Post Road in Rutland Town, VT. Investigation revealed Operator #1 was traveling south on US Route 7 near Post Road when he failed to maintain his lane, crossing the center line. Operator #1 ultimately crashed head-on into Operator #2, who was traveling northbound.
The Vermont State Police were assisted on scene by the Rutland Town Fire Department, Regional Ambulance Service, and Carrara’s Towing.
