NORTH HERO, Vt. (WCAX) – A St. Albans woman pleaded not guilty on Thursday to charges stemming from a fatal motorcycle crash on Route 2 on June 18.
Ellen Willson, 38, faces charges of gross negligent operation resulting in death. Authorities said Willson crossed the center line while driving, colliding head-on with motorcycles operated by a father and son.
Twenty-year-old Hunter Rounds died at the scene. His father suffered injuries and remains hospitalized.
Witnesses reported that prior to the crash, Willson was driving erratically, prompting one driver to hit a guardrail to avoid a collision.
During the hearing, Superior Court Judge Navah Spero noted Willson’s troubled driving history, which included two prior tickets. Willson claimed she didn’t see the motorcycles and stated that the event unfolded quickly.
She has been released under various conditions, including a prohibition from driving. Grand Isle State’s Attorney Doug DiSabito indicated that distracted driving may have contributed to the incident, and there were no signs of impairment.
Family members of Hunter Rounds gathered along Route 2 to honor his memory, expressing hope for justice and healing as the legal process unfolds.
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