HIGHGATE, VERMONT — October 15, 2025
The small, tight-knit community of Highgate, Vermont is reeling from heartbreak following the tragic and untimely death of Corey Lemoine, a 40-year-old local resident who was fatally struck by a vehicle late Tuesday night, October 14, 2025. The accident occurred shortly after 11 p.m. on Highgate Road, a stretch of rural roadway often traveled by both locals and commercial vehicles alike.
According to Vermont State Police, emergency responders were dispatched to the scene after a call reporting a pedestrian had been hit by a car. Upon arrival, they found Lemoine with critical injuries. Despite immediate efforts by EMTs and first responders, Corey was pronounced dead at the scene.
The driver involved remained on-site and is said to be cooperating fully with authorities. Preliminary investigations indicate speed and impairment were not immediate factors, but the investigation remains open as police work to determine the full circumstances surrounding the incident.
A Devastating Loss to the Highgate Community
For those who knew Corey Lemoine, the news of his sudden passing has delivered a devastating emotional blow. A lifelong Vermonter, Corey was a well-known and deeply loved figure in Highgate. Friends and neighbors describe him as a man with a kind heart, strong work ethic, and a quiet but genuine presence that made him a dependable friend and neighbor.
“Corey was the kind of guy who’d help you shovel your driveway in the winter without even being asked,” said Matt Cushing, a longtime friend and coworker. “He didn’t say much, but when he did, it meant something. He cared about people.”
Corey worked for many years in construction and property maintenance, often taking on seasonal jobs to support himself and his aging mother, with whom he shared a home just outside of town. In a town where everyone knows everyone, he was known for being the first to lend a hand, offer a tool, or just stop and chat about the weather or the Red Sox.
“He had such a gentle spirit,” said Marie Langlois, a neighbor. “Corey was honest, dependable, and always kind. The town won’t be the same without him.”
The Night of the Tragedy
Corey was reportedly walking along Highgate Road on his way home when the accident occurred. While the area is familiar to residents, it is poorly lit at night, and pedestrians are often difficult to spot, especially in low visibility conditions.
Vermont State Police are currently reconstructing the scene to determine what led to the collision. While no charges have been filed as of this writing, law enforcement has urged both drivers and pedestrians to exercise caution on rural roads, particularly during dark and low-visibility hours.
Grieving Together
In the hours following the tragedy, residents of Highgate have been coming together to support the Lemoine family, especially Corey’s mother, Eleanor Lemoine, who is said to be devastated by the loss of her only son.
A memorial of candles and flowers has begun to form near the spot where Corey was struck, with handwritten notes and photos left by friends and coworkers. Plans for a candlelight vigil are underway and are expected to take place later this week at Highgate Town Park.
“We just want to honor Corey and give his family a moment to feel the love from this community,” said vigil organizer Samantha Duquette. “He gave so much to so many people. Now it’s our turn.”
Local clergy from the Highgate United Methodist Church have opened their doors to offer grief counseling and a space for quiet reflection, and several local businesses have begun fundraising efforts to help cover funeral expenses.
Remembering a Life of Humility and Grace
Though he lived a quiet life, Corey Lemoine’s impact on those around him was immeasurable. He didn’t seek recognition or praise—he simply showed up, day in and day out, offering help when it was needed, keeping his head down, and treating everyone he met with decency and respect.
“He didn’t have much, but he gave what he could,” said his cousin Jeremy Lemoine. “That’s just the kind of man he was. Salt of the earth.”
Corey’s funeral will be handled by Bruso-Desnoyers Funeral Home, with services expected to be announced in the coming days. A GoFundMe campaign has also been launched to support the family during this difficult time, with donations pouring in from across Franklin County and beyond.
A Call for Awareness and Safety
In the wake of Corey’s death, local officials and residents alike are calling on the town to improve pedestrian safety on Highgate Road and other rural streets. Proposals for more street lighting, posted pedestrian zones, and traffic calming measures are expected to be discussed at the upcoming town selectboard meeting.
“We can’t undo what’s happened to Corey,” said Selectboard Chairwoman Lisa Connors, “but we can work to prevent something like this from happening again.”
Final Thoughts
The loss of Corey Lemoine is not just a loss for his family, but for the entire town of Highgate—a community that now finds itself mourning a man who, while never seeking the spotlight, left a legacy of quiet kindness and compassion that touched the lives of so many.
“He deserved more time. He deserved more recognition for the kind of life he lived,” said Pastor Erik Bouchard. “But maybe his passing reminds us to live like Corey did—with kindness, humility, and heart.”
Rest in peace, Corey Lemoine. Your light will continue to shine through the lives you touched.
Leave a Reply