Jacob King Identified as 21-Year-Old Killed in Single-Vehicle Crash in Sheldon, Vermont

The Sheldon community is mourning the loss of a young resident following a fatal motor vehicle crash Friday night along VT Route 78.

According to the Vermont State Police, Jacob King, 21, of Sheldon, died in a single-vehicle crash that occurred at approximately 8:40 p.m. on December 26, 2025, near 1126 VT Route 78. Troopers from the St. Albans Barracks responded to reports of a crash involving a driver trapped inside the vehicle.

Police stated that King was operating a 2015 Audi A4 when he lost control of the vehicle on a roadway that was partially covered with snow. The car left the roadway and struck a tree, sustaining severe damage and was later declared a total loss. Authorities confirmed that King was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash and was pronounced dead at the scene.

Two passengers were also inside the vehicle. Brennan Pandis, 21, of Highgate, and Raven Graves, 21, also of Highgate, were able to exit the vehicle on their own before emergency crews arrived. Police reported that both passengers were not wearing seat belts at the time of the crash. They sustained minor injuries, were evaluated and treated at the scene by medical personnel, and were later released.

Emergency response teams from the Vermont State Police, Amcare Ambulance, and the Sheldon Fire Department assisted at the scene and helped manage the incident.

Investigators indicated that speed is believed to have been a contributing factor in the crash. Authorities noted that weather conditions were clear at the time of the incident. The investigation remains ongoing as officials continue to review the circumstances leading up to the crash.

Vermont State Police are asking anyone who may have witnessed the crash or observed the vehicle prior to the incident to contact Trooper Andrew Underwood of the St. Albans Barracks at 802-524-5993.