Vermont State Police On 04/11/2019 at approximately 1307 hrs Troopers from the Vermont State Police New Haven Barracks, were detailed to a reported motor vehicle crash near 6552 VT Rt 125, Addison, VT. According to State Police Dispatch, a vehicle had gone off the roadway and was submerged in Lake Champlain. Preliminary investigation indicates the operator, Richard Finnessey, was traveling south on VT RT 125 when his vehicle left the travel portion of the roadway, travelled down an embankment and ultimately into Lake Champlain. Neither speed nor impairment appear to be contributing factors in this incident. It is believed that Finnessey suffered an undetermined medical event prior to crash.
VSP photo.
Investigating Troopers received assistance from the New York State Police, the Addison County Sheriff's Department, Town Line Response and Middlebury Heavy Rescue.
Finnessey's vehicle was later recovered from the water by Green Mountain Towing.
At present time this investigation remains active. Anyone with information regarding the crash is encouraged to call the Vermont State Police.
VERMONT STATE POLICE
MOTOR VEHICLE CRASH
CASE#: 19B500853
RANK/TROOPER FULL NAME: Sgt. Stephen McNamara / Tpr. Josh Gurwicz
STATION: Vermont State Police New Haven
CONTACT#: 802-388-4919
DATE/TIME: 04/10/19 @ 1307 hrs
STREET: VT Rt 125
TOWN: Addison
LANDMARK AND/OR CROSS STREETS: VT RT 17
INTERSTATE MILE MARKER: NA
WEATHER: Clouds & Sun
ROAD CONDITIONS: Dry, clear of debris
VEHICLE #1
OPERATOR: RICHARD W FINNESSEY
AGE: 35
SEAT BELT? Y
CITY, STATE OF RESIDENCE: MORIAH,NY.
VEHICLE YEAR: 2018
VEHICLE MAKE: Chevrolet
VEHICLE MODEL: Sonic
DAMAGE TO VEHICLE #1: Totaled
INJURIES: Possible Head Injury
HOSPITAL: Porter Hospital