West Rutland senior dies after car crash on Route 4
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By Gordon Dritschilo Herald Staff - Published: November 17, 2008
A 75-year-old West Rutland man died following a car crash Friday.
Vermont State Police said Chester Brown suffered fractures to his ribs and pelvis. He was taken first to Rutland Regional Medical Center and then to Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, N.H., before dying from his injuries.
Police said 16-year-old Lily Grandchamp was driving a 2005 Ford Freestyle east on Business Route 4 in Rutland Town when she crossed the center line, entered the westbound lane and crashed, head-on, into the 2005 Buick 4-door driven by 66-year-old Judy Brown.
Hubbardton-born Chester Brown was a passenger in the Buick, according to police.
Police said Brown's wife of 50 years, Judy Brown, suffered fractured ribs and a laceration to the back of her head while Grandchamp suffered minor bruises. The police report said that both drivers wore seat belts, but gave no information on whether Chester Brown wore his.
Both vehicles sustained heavy front-end damage, police said, and were towed from the scene.
Chester Brown, who moved to West Rutland after he and Judy married, was a dairy farmer and also drove a school bus for 10 years. The couple later took over the Main Street Cash Market in West Rutland, managing it for eight years. Then in 1990, Chester Brown established the Chet Brown & Son Trucking Co. and delivered sawdust to farms throughout Rutland County, retiring due to failing health in 2000.
Police gave no indication as to why Grandchamp crossed the center line or if any charges are likely as a result of the crash. Anyone with information on the accident is asked to call Vermont State Police at 773-9101.
Contact Gordon Dritschilo at gordon.dritschilo@rutlandherald.com.
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