***Update***
Operator #1, Perkins, reported minor injuries in the crash and was transported to the Rutland Regional Medical Center in Rutland for further evaluation. Douglas Perkins was transported to Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center on 10/09/2026 for operations. After lifesaving efforts, Perkins was pronounced deceased at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center on 10/21/2026 from injuries sustained during the crash.
The investigation into this incident is ongoing. There are no further details at this time.
***Initial news release, 15:45 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 09, 2026***
STATE OF VERMONT
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
VERMONT STATE POLICE
NEWS RELEASE
MOTOR VEHICLE CRASH
CASE#: 26B4007654
RANK / TROOPER FULL NAME: Trooper Sean Mulderry, Trooper Christopher Highbarger
STATION: Rutland
CONTACT#: (802) 773-9101
DATE/TIME: On October 9, 2026, at approximately 1013 hours
STREET: VT Route 133
TOWN: Pawlet, Vermont
LANDMARK AND/OR CROSS STREETS: Route 30
INTERSTATE MILE MARKER: N/A
WEATHER: Overcast
ROAD CONDITIONS: Dry
VEHICLE #1
OPERATOR: Douglas Perkins
AGE: 69
SEAT BELT? No
CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Pawlet, Vermont
VEHICLE YEAR: 2007
VEHICLE MAKE: Dodge
VEHICLE MODEL: Ram
DAMAGE TO VEHICLE #1: Damage to front of vehicle
INJURIES: Injury to hand
HOSPITAL: Rutland Regional Medical Center
VEHICLE #2
OPERATOR: James Simonds
AGE: 58
SEAT BELT? Yes
CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: Granville, New York
VEHICLE YEAR: 2016
VEHICLE MAKE: Ford
VEHICLE MODEL: F-350
DAMAGE TO VEHICLE #2: Damage to front of vehicle
INJURIES: Head injury
HOSPITAL: Glen Falls Hospital
SUMMARY OF CRASH:
On 10/09/2026, at approximately 1013 hours, Troopers from the Vermont State Police – Rutland Barracks were notified of a two-car crash on VT Route 133 in Pawlet, VT.
Through investigation, it was determined Operator #1 (Perkins) was operating vehicle #1, traveling west on VT Route 30. Operator #2 (Simonds) was operating vehicle #2, traveling south on VT Route 133. Operator #1 turned onto VT Route 133 and crossed over the centerline, colliding with vehicle #2 as vehicle #2 approached the intersection.
Vehicle #1 sustained moderate front-end damage from the collision. Vehicle #2 sustained moderate front-end damage from the collision. VT Route 133 was limited to one lane of traffic while responders worked to remove the vehicles.
The Vermont State Police were assisted on scene by Pawlet Fire Department, Washington FAST Squad, and Turk’s Wrecker.
Vermont Civil Violation Complaint: Pending.
