Enosburgh, Vermont — June 13, 2025

Enosburgh, Vermont — What began as a peaceful summer evening in the quiet town of Enosburgh turned devastating when a serious motor vehicle collision claimed the life of 32-year-old Cody Paradee, a beloved member of the Franklin County community. The crash occurred at the rural intersection of Tyler Branch Road and Duffy Hill Road at approximately 7:03 p.m., drawing a swift and coordinated response from local first responders and the Vermont State Police.

According to initial reports, the collision involved two vehicles traveling through the intersection—a commonly used junction known for its winding turns and limited sightlines. Paradee, who was operating one of the vehicles, suffered critical injuries in the impact. Emergency medical personnel from Enosburgh Ambulance Services and fire crews from nearby departments arrived on scene within minutes. Despite exhaustive life-saving efforts, Paradee succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.

The other driver, whose identity has not yet been released pending notification and ongoing investigation, was transported to a local hospital with injuries described as non-life-threatening. Both vehicles sustained significant damage, and investigators worked late into the evening to reconstruct the crash scene and gather evidence.

The Vermont State Police issued a statement confirming that the Crash Reconstruction Team is leading the investigation, with assistance from the Franklin County Sheriff’s Department. Early indicators suggest that speed and visibility may have been contributing factors, though toxicology results and witness statements are still pending.

Word of Paradee’s tragic death spread quickly throughout Enosburgh and surrounding towns, where he was widely known for his friendly nature, mechanical skill, and unwavering dedication to his friends and family. A graduate of Richford High School, Cody was a lifelong Vermonter who worked as an automotive technician and was regarded by those who knew him as someone who could “fix anything, and always made time to help others.” Friends described him as a “gentle soul with grease-stained hands and a heart of gold.”

Cody is survived by his parents, his younger sister, and his longtime partner, with whom he shared a deep bond and dreams of starting a family. In a statement shared with the media, his family wrote:

“Cody was the kind of person who could light up a room with his grin and fix a stranger’s car without being asked. He loved the back roads of Vermont, the peace of fishing on Lake Carmi, and the laughter of his nieces and nephews. His absence leaves a hole in our hearts that can never be filled.”

As a show of support, friends and community members have placed flowers, handwritten notes, and candles at the site of the crash. Plans are underway for a community vigil at Lincoln Park later this week, where locals will gather to honor Cody’s memory and offer condolences to his grieving family.

The accident has also reignited local concerns about traffic safety on rural intersections, especially on roads like Tyler Branch and Duffy Hill that are often traversed by fast-moving farm equipment, tourists, and local drivers. Residents have voiced their frustrations at previous town meetings about the need for clearer signage and reduced speed limits in the area. In light of this tragedy, town officials say they will once again review traffic safety measures at the intersection.

A memorial fund has been established in Cody Paradee’s name, with proceeds going toward assisting his family with funeral expenses and creating a scholarship fund for local high school seniors pursuing vocational training in automotive repair—an effort his family says would reflect Cody’s passion for hands-on work and community mentorship.

While the investigation continues and the community mourns, one truth remains clear: Cody Paradee’s life left an impact far deeper than the roads he traveled. In the days and weeks to come, Enosburgh will grieve together, support one another, and remember the young man who gave so much to the people around him—taken far too soon on a quiet country road.