On August 1, 2018

Student found dead in river

Staff report

POULTNEY—A Green Mountain College student was found dead in the Poultney River July 30, police said.

Fuquan Ford, 20, of Albany, N.Y., was pronounced dead at the scene after police received a report of an unresponsive man partially submerged in the Poultney River, June 30 around 5 p.m.

The man was located in the vicinity of 1 Brennan Circle, Poultney, behind the Green Mountain College Campus.

Green Mountain College President Allen issued a statement July 31.

“Fuquan’s positive attitude, warm smile, and passion for social change, animals and nature touched all members of the Green Mountain College community,” Allen wrote.

Ford entered Green Mountain College in the fall of 2017. He was a member of the Green Mountain Eagles Basketball Team and was involved in social activism on campus, including Black Lives Matter.

The incident remains under investigation. Anyone with information is asked to contact state police.

There will be a gathering Thursday, Aug. 2 at noon on the college campus to remember Ford.

A memorial service to celebrate the life of Ford is planned when the students return for the start of the 2018-19 academic year.

GMC is offering counseling services, available at the Wellness Center or by calling 802-287-8376.

Do you want to submit feedback to the editor?

Send Us An Email!

Related Posts

Local road construction plans for 4th of July week

July 2, 2025
The following is a weekly report that lists its planned construction activities that will affect traffic on state highways and interstates throughout Vermont for the week of June 30. Most construction projects will pause work for the 4th of July `Local roads in Rutland and Windsor County, include:     I-89 Royalton Construction continues Monday through…

Ribbon cuttings in Ludlow and Proctorsville highlight local business growth

July 2, 2025
A pair of ribbon cuttings on June 20 held by the Okemo Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce (OVRCC) marked a day of celebration for two local businesses and offered a boost of momentum to the region’s small business economy. In Ludlow, Aubuchon ACE Hardware unveiled its newly renovated store on Main Street with a grand…

Cirque Series celebrates successful Killington debut

July 2, 2025
By Polly Mikula The Cirque Series broke trail in New England with two new races. On June 7, runners raced up Cannon Mountain in Franconia, New Hampshire and this past Saturday, June 28, they tackled “The Beast of the East,” Killington Mountain. Cirque is also adding Crystal Mountain, Washington, to its national lineup of eight…

Rutland Sculpture Trail announces 14th installation

July 2, 2025
The 14th addition to the Rutland Sculpture Trail will honor the community’s giving spirit, volunteerism, and inspiration - and the national record for donating blood. Organizers have commissioned a piece honoring Rutland’s Gift-of-Life Marathon (GOLM), which still holds the one-day U.S. record for blood donations 12 years after setting the record and continues to inspire…