Waterbury, VT – The Vermont Department of Corrections (DOC) today announced the death of Gene Peterson, a sentenced individual receiving palliative care at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center (DHMC) in New Hampshire.
Gene Peterson, 67, of Readsboro, Vermont, was lodged at Southern State Correctional Facility on June 2, 2021. On April 20, 2025, Mr. Peterson was transported to Springfield Hospital to receive medical care. He was subsequently transferred to DHMC and transitioned to comfort care measures on April 23. Mr. Peterson was pronounced deceased at DHMC on April 24.
Mr. Peterson's death does not appear suspicious at this time. The Department notified the Defender General’s Prisoners’ Rights Office of the death per state law and protocol. The DOC Corrections Investigative Unit and Health Services Division will review the fatality according to departmental policy.
More information on deaths in custody and death investigation findings can be found on DOC’s website: https://doc.vermont.gov/deaths-custody-reporting
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