STATE OF VERMONT
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
VERMONT STATE POLICE
NEWS RELEASE
MOTOR VEHICLE CRASH
CASE#: 26B4003361
RANK / TROOPER FULL NAME: Trooper Hayley Mears
STATION: Rutland
CONTACT#: (802) 773-9101
DATE/TIME: On April 30th, 2026, at approximately 1232 hours
STREET: US Route 7
TOWN: Pittsford
LANDMARK AND/OR CROSS STREETS: Chapel Hill Rd
INTERSTATE MILE MARKER: N/A
WEATHER: Rainy
ROAD CONDITIONS: Wet
VEHICLE #1
OPERATOR: Nikolai Fortune
AGE: 18
SEAT BELT? Yes
CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Brandon, VT
VEHICLE YEAR: 2014
VEHICLE MAKE: Ford
VEHICLE MODEL: Focus
DAMAGE TO VEHICLE #1: Significant
INJURIES: Minor
HOSPITAL: N/A
SUMMARY OF CRASH:
On 4/30/2026, at approximately 1232 hours, Troopers from the Vermont State Police- Rutland Barracks were notified of a single-vehicle crash on Route 7 in Pittsford.
Through investigation, it was determined that Operator #1 (Fortune) was operating vehicle #1 while traveling north on Route 7. Operator #1 (Fortune) failed to maintain his lane of travel and exited the roadway. Operator #1 (Fortune) sustained minor injuries from the crash.
The Vermont State Police were assisted by the Pittsford Fire Department & Rutland Regional Ambulance Service.
Vermont Civil Violation Complaint: Pending