Adams Man Killed in Pownal Motor Vehicle Accident
Update March 5, 2025: Kyle Thayer, 40, of Clarksburg, Mass., pleaded guilty in September 2024 to driving under the influence involving a fatality in the first degree in the death of Todd Rhinemiller.
On Feb. 28, 2025, under a plea deal with the state, he was sentenced to 7 to 15 years with four years served and a five-year probation period, reported the Bennington Banner. He is prohibited from possessing or consuming any alcohol and operating a motor vehicle, among other restrictions, during his probation. A violation could mean serving the entire 15 years.
POWNAL, Vt. — One man was killed and another seriously injured after their vehicles collided Saturday night on Route 7.
Todd L. Rhinemiller, 48, of Adams, Mass., was pronounced dead at Albany (N.Y.) Medical Center after his Harley-Davidson struck a utility terrain vehicle that turned into his travel lane.
According to state troopers from the Shaftsbury barracks, Rhinemiller was southbound on his 2021 Pan Am Special when the 2020 Honda Talon driven by Kyle D. Thayer, 36, of Clarksburg, Mass., attempted to turn from the southbound breakdown lane left across the state highway onto South Mason Hill Road.
The motorcycle hit the driver's door of the UTV and both vehicles continued off the east side of the roadway, where Rhinemiller was ejected over a guardrail. He was wearing a helmet.
Rhinemiller was taken by air ambulance to Albany Medical; Thayer was first transported to Southwestern Vermont Medical Center with "life-threatening injuries" before also being flown to Albany Medical.
The crash occurred at about 7 p.m. just north of the state line. Conditions were clear, warm and dry.
Police say Thayer displayed signs of alcohol impairment. He was screened for driving under the influence and criminal charges are pending the results of a blood test.
Both vehicles were totaled.
Tags: fatal, MVI,
