Vernon Police Release Information on Fatal Wreck

Vernon Chief of Police Dan Birbeck issued the following release on a fatality wreck Jan. 3 that took the life of Zachary McSpadden of Vernon:

“On Saturday, January 3, 2026, at approximately 11:45 p.m., the Vernon Police Department responded to a report of a single-vehicle rollover crash on U.S. Highway 287 near Strahan Street. Upon arrival, officers discovered that the driver and sole occupant of the vehicle had been ejected during the crash. The involved vehicle had subsequently caught fire. Vernon Fire Department personnel responded to the scene and extinguished the vehicle fire. The driver was pronounced deceased at the scene. The crash resulted in significant damage to the median barrier system, including extensive guardrail and cable barrier damage. This incident remains under active investigation by the Vernon Police Department. Additional information will be released as it becomes available. Anyone with information related to this crash is encouraged to contact the Vernon Police Department.”