HARTLAND, Vt. — Tragedy struck the town of Hartland on Saturday afternoon when a head-on collision along Vermont Route 12 claimed the life of 35-year-old Jamison O’Neil and left two others with serious injuries.
Vermont State Police said the crash happened just after 2:30 p.m. near the intersection of Route 12 and Clay Hill Road. Initial reports indicate that two vehicles traveling in opposite directions collided under yet-to-be-determined circumstances.
Emergency responders from the Hartland Fire Department, Hartford EMS, and state police rushed to the scene. Crews worked urgently to extricate the victims from mangled vehicles. Despite life-saving measures, O’Neil was pronounced dead at the scene. The two other victims, whose names have not been released, were airlifted and transported to Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, New Hampshire, with injuries described as critical.
Investigation Underway
The Vermont State Police Crash Reconstruction Team spent several hours at the site documenting skid marks, debris fields, and vehicle damage to determine the events that led to the deadly collision. Authorities have not confirmed whether speed, impairment, or distraction played a role, but no criminal charges have been filed as of Sunday morning.
Investigators are urging anyone who may have witnessed the crash or has dashcam footage from the area between 2:15 p.m. and 2:45 p.m. to contact the Vermont State Police — Royalton Barracks.
Community in Mourning
News of O’Neil’s sudden death spread quickly through the Hartland area, where he was widely known and deeply respected. Friends describe him as a hardworking, compassionate man who had a natural gift for making people feel welcome.
“Jamison had a smile that could light up any room,” said one longtime friend. “He was the first to volunteer when someone needed help, and the last to ask for anything in return. This is a devastating loss for all of us.”
O’Neil’s death marks yet another fatal crash in Vermont this year, adding to a troubling rise in highway fatalities across the state. Officials say rural roads, though less congested than highways, can be equally dangerous due to sharp curves, limited visibility, and changing weather conditions.
A Sobering Reminder
Authorities are using this tragedy to urge drivers to remain vigilant on Vermont’s roads. “Every time you get behind the wheel, you’re making choices that can have life-or-death consequences,” said a Vermont State Police spokesperson. “Please slow down, stay focused, and keep your attention on the road.”
Final Farewell
Funeral arrangements for Jamison O’Neil are expected to be announced in the coming days. In the meantime, friends and neighbors have begun organizing a candlelight vigil in his honor.
As Hartland grieves, the community is united in remembering O’Neil for his kindness, integrity, and the positive impact he left on so many lives. His passing leaves a void that will be felt for years to come.