Community asks for help after deadly hit and run in Mendon

By Katy Savage

The niece of a man killed in a hit and run in Mendon Thursday, March 11, is asking the public for help in identifying who hit him.

“I’m struggling with what happened,” Amanda Miles wrote in a message to her late uncle on Facebook. “You didn’t let life bring you down and you were the last person who deserved this.”

Her uncle, Henry Miles, 54, died after he was struck crossing Route 4 in Mendon to get to the bus stop on Old Turnpike Rd. near the Killington Pico Motor Inn around 9:30 p.m. Miles sustained life threatening injuries and died at the scene.
Miles, who was one of six siblings, loved cooking and music.  He was also a black belt in Karate. Those who knew him said he was a happy-go-lucky person.

“Henry was a staple in our community,”  Jennifer Sweet, who met Henry several years ago at a restaurant, said. “He always had a smile on his face.”

Sweet got to know Miles better after she offered to drive him home one night. “The fact of the matter is we all know Henry was a drinker … but his story needs to be out there.”

Miles rode the bus just about every day and came to know many.  Donny Chamberlain met Miles 10 years ago on the bus.

“He was a gentle soul,” Chamberlain said. Miles often told stories about his friends, family and his cats. “He always spoke to everyone and he loved people and loved life.”

Amanda said her uncle was selfless and compassionate.

“Whenever I was worried about Henry, he would laugh and tell me, ‘don’t worry, Mandy. I’m too stupid to die, I promise.’ Henry kept that promise,” Amanda wrote on Facebook.

Anyone with further information can contact Vermont State Police Trooper Zachariah Shaughnessy of the Rutland Barracks at 802-773-9101.