Sandgate, VT – Nicole, a native of the Sandgate area, was described by friends as someone who embodied warmth and compassion. Her dream of becoming a mother was fulfilled with the birth of Oliver, a baby boy who was adored from the moment he came into the world. Nicole often shared her excitement about creating a life filled with love, laughter, and possibilities for her newborn son. They died.
The quiet town of Sandgate, Vermont, was shaken by a devastating tragedy on New Year’s Day as a fire claimed the lives of 22-year-old Nicole Grogan and her 12-day-old son, Oliver Stratton. The fire erupted at a residence on Chunks Brook Road around 11:30 a.m., leaving a grieving community in its wake.
Firefighters from towns across Vermont and New York rushed to the scene, battling the blaze that engulfed the home. Despite their efforts to control the fire, the lives of a young mother and her infant were lost. Two other individuals were injured in the incident and transported to hospitals in New York for medical treatment.
Nicole Grogan, remembered by family and friends as a vibrant, kind-hearted young woman, had recently celebrated the joy of motherhood with the arrival of her son, Oliver, just 12 days before the tragedy. The pair had brought light and love to those around them during their brief time together, and their loss has left a profound void in the hearts of many.
Nicole, a native of the Sandgate area, was described by friends as someone who embodied warmth and compassion. Her dream of becoming a mother was fulfilled with the birth of Oliver, a baby boy who was adored from the moment he came into the world. Nicole often shared her excitement about creating a life filled with love, laughter, and possibilities for her newborn son.
In the days following the tragedy, the small, close-knit community of Sandgate has come together in grief and solidarity. With a population of just under 400 residents, the loss of two cherished lives is deeply felt by neighbors, friends, and extended family.
Sandgate resident Karen Winslow, a family friend, expressed the heartbreak felt across the town: “Nicole was the kind of person who brought joy to everyone she met. She was a loving mother, full of hope and dreams for her son. This tragedy has shaken us all.”
The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the Vermont Department of Public Safety Fire and Explosion Investigation Unit, with assistance from Vermont State Police detectives and troopers. Authorities are working diligently to determine the fire’s origin and the circumstances surrounding the deaths of Nicole and Oliver.
As investigators work to uncover the details of this heartbreaking event, the community is focusing on remembering Nicole and Oliver and offering support to their grieving family. Friends and neighbors are rallying together, planning memorials and fundraisers to honor their memory and help the family recover from this unimaginable loss.
Nicole’s family shared their gratitude for the outpouring of love and support during this difficult time, stating in a brief message: “We are devastated by the loss of Nicole and Oliver. They were the light of our lives, and their absence is unimaginable. We are grateful for the kindness and compassion shown by everyone as we navigate this tragedy.”
Oliver’s brief life brought immeasurable joy to Nicole and those who surrounded her. His arrival marked the beginning of a new chapter for Nicole, a chapter tragically cut short.
As Sandgate mourns, the memory of Nicole’s vibrant spirit and Oliver’s innocence will live on in the hearts of those who loved them. Their legacy is one of love, resilience, and the reminder of the preciousness of life.
Funeral arrangements are still being finalized, and updates will be shared in the coming days. In the meantime, the community continues to hold Nicole and Oliver’s family in their thoughts, offering comfort and strength in their time of profound loss.
This tragedy serves as a somber reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of treasuring each moment. Rest in peace, Nicole and Oliver—you will never be forgotten.