LEICESTER, Vt. — A devastating collision on Route 7 in Leicester has left one person dead and several others with life-threatening injuries, shaking the small Vermont community and leaving families in grief. Authorities confirmed that 50-year-old Gillian Gero lost her life in the crash, which occurred Sunday afternoon near Cram Road.
At approximately 3:15 p.m., Vermont State Police responded to reports of a head-on crash involving two vehicles. According to the preliminary investigation, 51-year-old Jeremy Nolette of Vermont was driving a Chevy Trailblazer southbound on Route 7 when, for reasons still under investigation, he crossed the center line and struck a Pontiac G6 head-on.
The impact was catastrophic. The Pontiac, driven by 52-year-old Thomas Gero, with Gillian Gero as the passenger, was pushed over a guardrail and down an embankment. The vehicle then caught fire, trapping both occupants inside. In a courageous effort, bystanders rushed to the scene, managing to pull Thomas and Gillian from the burning car. They immediately began performing CPR in hopes of saving their lives.
Despite those heroic measures, Gillian Gero was pronounced deceased at the scene. Her loss is a heartbreaking blow to her loved ones and to the community that knew her.
Thomas Gero suffered serious, life-threatening injuries and was transported to the University of Vermont Medical Center for urgent treatment.
Meanwhile, Jeremy Nolette and his passenger, Lisa Nolette, were also trapped in their vehicle. First responders worked swiftly to remove them, and both were transported to Rutland Regional Medical Center. Due to the severity of his injuries, Jeremy Nolette was later transferred to Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center for advanced life-saving care.
The crash scene required significant emergency response, with assistance from the Brandon Fire Department, Brandon Rescue, Middlebury Rescue, CDR Towing, and MiddState Towing. The Vermont State Police Crash Reconstruction Team has been activated and is continuing to investigate the cause of the collision.
Route 7 has since reopened, but the emotional impact of the accident remains.
Authorities are asking anyone who witnessed the crash, or who may have information helpful to the investigation, to contact the Vermont State Police barracks in New Haven at 802-388-4919.
As the investigation continues, family, friends, and the community are mourning Gillian Gero, a life cut short in a sudden and tragic moment. Many are holding her memory close — reflecting on her life, her love, and the enduring impact she had on those who knew her.
May her loved ones find peace and strength.
And may those injured find hope and healing in the days ahead.
