BETHEL—On June 7 at 2:30 p.m., troopers from the state police responded to a two vehicle fatal crash on Interstate 89 northbound in Bethel. Initial investigation shows that both vehicles were traveling northbound on I-89 when a Kia Optima, operated by Jakim Brewster Hopkins, 32, from Brooklyn, New York, hit the rear of a Toyota Sienna minivan, operated by Patricia Carluccio, 54, from Bedford, Massachusetts. This sent Carluccio into the median causing her minivan to roll several times before coming to rest on the southbound lanes of I-89.
Hopkins also rolled his Optima several times before he was ejected from the car, according to police. He was reportedly not wearing his seatbelt.
Hopkins was killed as a result of the crash.
Carluccio was transported to Gifford Hospital and released shortly after with no injuries, according to the police report.
Both vehicles were totalled.
It is believed that Hopkins was traveling well above the posted speed limit and had been driving erratically according to witness statements recorded by the state police.
Anyone who may have witnessed this crash is encouraged to contacted the Vermont State Police Royalton Barracks at 802-234-9933.
