CHELSEA, Vt. — A 23-year-old Washington man pleaded not guilty Wednesday to charges related to a fatal collision in Orange last October that resulted in the death of 16-year-old Kaylee Bailey.
Kyle Hunt entered his plea in Orange Superior Court to one felony charge of vehicle operation-gross negligence resulting in death and one misdemeanor count of providing false information to law enforcement. The collision occurred on October 5, 2025, when Hunt’s Subaru Crosstrek turned in front of Bailey’s dirt bike on Richardson Road near the intersection with Morrie Road around 5:15 p.m.
According to authorities, Bailey was pronounced dead at the scene due to blunt force trauma. Witnesses reported that Hunt’s vehicle seemed to accelerate without signaling a turn. Investigators noted that Hunt admitted to drinking prior to the crash, although his blood alcohol level was below the legal limit at 0.036%, with additional THC detected in his system.
Hunt, who was released on personal recognizance, is barred from contacting Bailey’s boyfriend and friends present during the incident. Judge Timothy Tomasi did not find probable cause for two additional charges sought by prosecutors.
Prosecutor Colin Seaman indicated that delays in the arraignment were due to the time needed for accident reconstruction and sample analysis. Supporters of both parties were present outside the courthouse, where Bailey’s family expressed frustration over the prolonged legal proceedings.