UPDATE 10/7: Tragic two-car crash on Silver Street Saturday night marked by heroism, too. Rescued driver charged by Vermont State Police. Funeral services set for victim.
Oct 06, 2025
Hinesburg Fire Department photo
The Record Staff Report
A 63-year-old woman from North Ferrisburgh was killed in a head-on crash on Silver Street Saturday night. The driver of the other vehicle was pulled from his burning pickup moments before it was fully engulfed in flames and was later charged by Vermont State Police (VSP).
State police identified the victim as Lauren Morrill, who was heading south in a 2013 Kia Optima at about 7:30 p.m. when it was struck by a Ram 1500 pickup driven by Logan Cody, 24, of Shelburne who was headed north but was in the southbound lane. Those at the scene said Cody passed a vehicle and came into a corner in the left hand lane directly into Morrill’s car which broke apart. Cody’s vehicle had caught fire by the time it stopped.
On Monday, the VSP filed charges against Cody “for gross negligent operation-death resulting. Further charges will be determined on the continued investigation of the incident. This incident is still actively under investigation.”
An off-duty Milton fireman, Tyler Lafountain, witnessed the accident, stopped and pulled Cody from his truck. Cody was taken by Charlotte Rescue to UVM Medical Center where his injuries were described as serious “but non-life-threatening.”
In a Facebook post, Milton Fire Chief Chris Poirier wrote: We “would like to acknowledge Milton firefighter Tyler Lafountain for his courage and bravery while intervening in (the) motor vehicle accident.
“Firefighter Lafountain was traveling on Silver Street in Hinesburg while he witnessed a pickup truck pass him on the left and collide head on with another vehicle. … Lafountain immediately attempted to render aid to the occupant of the vehicle that was on fire, using a fire extinguisher from his vehicle and additional fire extinguishers provided by a property owner in the immediate area. He was able to knock the flames down and remove the occupant from the vehicle to a safe location and provide medical aid. The operator of the second vehicle, sadly, lost (her) life during the incident.
“The Milton Fire Department commends firefighter Lafountain for his actions.
“We would also like to express our sympathies to all those involved in this tragic event, including the Hinesburg fire department and its members. Understanding from experience how difficult these types of incidents can be for our members.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with you.”
Indeed, The Record spoke to one person who was at the scene who said it is “something you don’t forget.” He said he knew the victim and her family. “It’s tough.”
At the time the crash and car fire was called in, Hinesburg Engine 1 was at a significant fire on Brownell Mountain in Williston and was sent directly to the scene of the crash. Additionally, two Hinesburg firefighters stationed at the firehouse to provide town coverage during the Williston incident responded immediately to the scene of the crash.
Also responding to the accident were the Monkton, Essex Town and Williston fire departments and Richmond Rescue. After the fire was extinguished, state police began its investigation. Silver Street was closed to traffic until midnight.
In its own Facebook post, the Hinesburg Fire Department wrote: “This was an incredibly tragic scene, and our hearts go out to all those affected.
“We are deeply grateful to have had personnel in the firehouse available for a rapid response, and we especially commend the courageous bystander/first responder (Lafountain) for (his) actions.”
