Gillian Gero Obituary, Death Cause – Authorities are investigating a serious vehicle collision in Addison County, Vermont, that resulted in one fatality and multiple injuries on Sunday afternoon. According to Vermont State Police, the incident occurred around 3 p.m. on Route 7 in the town of Leicester. Investigators said that 51-year-old Jeremy Nolette of Brandon was driving south when his vehicle veered across the center line and struck an oncoming car traveling in the opposite direction.
The impact caused the second vehicle to go off the road, crash through a guardrail, and roll down an embankment before catching fire. Emergency services and several bystanders quickly arrived at the scene to help. Officials said nearby residents acted swiftly, pulling two of the passengers — 52-year-old Thomas Gero and 50-year-old Gillian Gero, both of Monkton — out of the burning vehicle.
Bystanders performed CPR on Gillian Gero while awaiting first responders, but despite their efforts, she did not survive. Emergency personnel transported the other three individuals involved, including Thomas Gero and the driver of the first vehicle, to a nearby hospital for treatment of serious injuries. Authorities said Thomas Gero’s condition remains critical.
Police believe that speed may have played a role in the crash, though the full cause remains under investigation. Accident reconstruction teams were called to the site to examine skid marks, debris, and vehicle positioning to determine exactly what led to the collision. Route 7 was temporarily closed in both directions while authorities cleared the wreckage and began their investigation, reopening later in the evening.
Local emergency crews from Leicester and surrounding towns assisted in extinguishing the vehicle fire and providing medical aid. Several law enforcement units and firefighters remained on-site for hours to ensure the area was safe and to document the scene thoroughly.
Authorities have not released updates on the current medical conditions of the surviving victims but confirmed that all were receiving professional care. Officials also praised the quick actions of the bystanders who risked their safety to help rescue the people trapped inside the vehicle, noting that their response likely prevented further tragedy.
In a brief statement, Vermont State Police expressed their condolences to the families affected by the crash and emphasized their commitment to determining what happened. “Our investigators are working carefully to understand all contributing factors in this incident,” the statement said. “We urge drivers to remain alert, reduce speed when necessary, and drive cautiously, especially along rural roadways.”
The collision has deeply impacted the Leicester and Monkton communities, as residents shared messages of support for the families involved. Friends and neighbors described the Geros as kind and well-loved members of their town, while local officials noted how close-knit the small Vermont communities tend to be in times of hardship.
Authorities continue to gather witness statements and encourage anyone who may have seen the crash or the vehicles prior to impact to come forward with information that could assist in the investigation.
This incident serves as a somber reminder of how quickly accidents can occur and the importance of road safety for all motorists. Police are expected to release further details once their investigation is complete and a full report is available.
At this time, law enforcement and emergency agencies have expressed their sympathy for all those affected and thanked everyone who provided immediate aid during the incident. The investigation remains active, and additional updates are expected as authorities work to piece together the events leading up to the tragic crash.
