Tragedy in Enosburgh: Community Mourns the Sudden Loss of 32-Year-Old in Devastating Two-Vehicle Crash

ENOSBURGH, VT — On the quiet evening of June 13, 2025, a peaceful summer day turned into one of sorrow and heartbreak for the small town of Enosburgh, Vermont. A devastating two-vehicle crash near the intersection of Tyler Branch Road and Duffy Hill Road claimed the life of 32-year-old Cody Paradee, a beloved member of the local community. The tragic incident unfolded just after 7:03 p.m. and has since sent shockwaves across the tight-knit Franklin County town.

Vermont State Police, along with emergency medical services, were dispatched to the scene almost immediately following reports of a severe crash involving two vehicles. According to the preliminary investigation, Cody Paradee had been traveling northbound on Duffy Hill Road when his vehicle was struck by another car, operated by a juvenile driver heading westbound on Tyler Branch Road.

The impact was described by responders as “catastrophic,” with both vehicles sustaining extensive damage. Emergency personnel arriving on the scene were faced with a grim sight: two mangled cars, stunned witnesses, and the critical condition of the adult driver. Lifesaving efforts began at once.

Immediate Response and Medical Efforts

Paramedics on the scene determined the severity of Cody’s injuries required urgent transport. He was stabilized as best as possible on-site before being airlifted by helicopter to the University of Vermont Medical Center in Burlington, the state’s leading trauma facility. Despite the relentless efforts of first responders, medical flight personnel, and trauma surgeons, Cody succumbed to his injuries not long after arriving at the hospital.

The juvenile driver of the second vehicle was also evaluated by EMS for injuries sustained in the crash. According to law enforcement, the young driver’s injuries were non-life-threatening, though the emotional toll of the event is expected to leave lasting scars.

Authorities have not yet released the name of the juvenile driver due to age and privacy protections, and it is not yet known whether charges will be filed. Investigators are continuing to analyze data from the crash site, interview witnesses, and review the conditions of the road at the time of the accident.

An Unimaginable Loss

For those who knew Cody Paradee, the news of his passing has been described as surreal. Friends and neighbors gathered outside his family home in disbelief as word of the accident spread across town. Candles, flowers, and handwritten messages of love and remembrance have begun to accumulate on the corner of Tyler Branch and Duffy Hill, now a makeshift memorial site for a life cut tragically short.

Cody was a man known for his adventurous spirit and deep-rooted compassion. Friends recall how he always found joy in the simple things—hiking Vermont’s scenic trails, volunteering at local events, lending a hand to neighbors in need, or simply sharing a laugh. His warmth and kindness left lasting impressions, and he had a way of making everyone feel welcomed.

He had a close relationship with his family, who described him as a “protector, a listener, and a gentle soul.” Whether it was mowing an elderly neighbor’s lawn, helping a friend move, or bringing laughter to a family gathering, Cody’s heart led his actions.

Investigating the Circumstances

As the Vermont State Police’s Crash Reconstruction Team continues its investigation, multiple factors are being reviewed. These include visibility conditions at the time of the collision, the presence (or lack) of road signage, speed estimates, and whether distraction or inexperience may have played a role on the part of either driver.

The intersection where the crash occurred has been described by locals as “confusing” and “risky,” particularly for drivers unfamiliar with its layout. Several area residents have reported past near-misses at that very junction due to its unusual angle and limited sightlines. In light of this tragedy, there are already calls for the town to evaluate potential road improvements or updated traffic signage in the area to prevent future accidents.

Authorities have not suggested that drugs or alcohol were involved, but toxicology screenings are standard procedure and remain pending. The state’s attorney’s office has confirmed that any decision regarding potential charges against the juvenile driver will come only after a thorough investigation is complete and all evidence has been reviewed.

An Outpouring of Grief and Solidarity

In the hours and days following Cody’s death, social media lit up with tributes, memories, and words of grief. Former classmates, coworkers, childhood friends, and neighbors shared photos, anecdotes, and expressions of heartbreak. “He was the guy you could call at 3 a.m. if your car broke down or your world was falling apart,” one friend posted. “There’s no one else like him.”

The Enosburgh community, small but incredibly close-knit, has rallied around the Paradee family in every possible way. Local restaurants have organized meal trains, churches have held prayer services, and residents have pledged donations toward funeral costs and other related expenses.

A GoFundMe page launched by friends of the family quickly surpassed its goal within 48 hours, a testament to how deeply Cody’s loss has touched the lives of so many. Organizers of the fundraiser stated that any excess donations would be used to support youth driver safety initiatives and local road safety campaigns in Cody’s memory.

A Legacy of Love and Quiet Impact

Although Cody may not have sought the spotlight, his actions spoke volumes. He believed in showing up for others—in moments big and small—and lived with a quiet but resolute dignity that endeared him to all who knew him.

He worked locally, had strong ties to his high school classmates, and often volunteered for small-town events like the annual Fall Foliage Festival or spring clean-up drives. He was also an animal lover, often seen walking rescue dogs from the local shelter or helping a stray find its way home.

“He had the kind of soul you don’t forget,” said one longtime neighbor. “You just felt safer when he was around.”

Honoring His Memory

Plans are currently underway for a public vigil to honor Cody’s life. According to organizers, the candlelight event will be held in the town green near Enosburgh Falls later this week, allowing the community a collective space to grieve, reflect, and celebrate the impact Cody had on their lives. The family has also expressed intentions to plant a memorial tree and install a commemorative bench at one of Cody’s favorite hiking trails—a place he often visited to reflect and unwind.

In their public statement, Cody’s family asked for privacy as they grieve this tremendous loss but also expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support they’ve received. “We are devastated. Our hearts are broken. But we are so grateful to everyone who has wrapped us in love during this unthinkable time. Cody was our light. And now it’s our job to carry his light forward.”

A Call for Safer Roads

This tragedy has reignited conversations about road safety, particularly regarding intersections with limited visibility or high crash rates. Several Vermont towns, including Enosburgh, have faced challenges balancing rural infrastructure with increased traffic and teen driving rates. Cody’s passing, though deeply personal, now also symbolizes a broader push to improve rural road safety.

Community members and local officials alike are now advocating for a review of intersections like Tyler Branch and Duffy Hill, where signage, lighting, or even a stoplight could make the difference between life and death. A petition circulating online urges Franklin County officials to install additional safety measures at the site of the crash.

Conclusion

As Enosburgh mourns the sudden and heartbreaking loss of one of its own, the memory of Cody Paradee will continue to echo through the community he helped build, protect, and love. His legacy is not one measured in headlines, but in the quiet, powerful ways he made life better for those around him.

Though the road ahead is filled with grief, his family and friends are determined to keep his spirit alive through acts of kindness, road safety advocacy, and love—just as he would have wanted.