The tight-knit Essex Junction community is grappling with profound sorrow after the tragic death of 18-year-old Mark Omand, who was killed in a devastating two-car collision on the Burlington Beltline Wednesday evening. The accident, which occurred just south of the North Avenue interchange around 5:30 p.m., has left friends, family, and neighbors reeling.
Mark, whose mother Christie Villa revealed he was in the process of changing his name to Marcus Villa, was remembered by those who knew him as a bright, kindhearted young man full of life and promise. “He was literally the sweetest kid ever,” Christie said, her voice trembling with emotion. “He would do anything for anybody. He was just silly with driving, and kids are supposed to make mistakes, but not die from them.”
The crash unfolded when Mark’s car veered across the median, colliding head-on with a Jeep driven by 45-year-old Derek Lorrain of Burlington. The force of the impact was catastrophic, requiring firefighters to use heavy equipment to extract Lorrain from his vehicle. He was transported to a local hospital, though his current condition remains unknown. Police have not yet released further details regarding Lorrain’s injuries or the circumstances leading up to the crash.
Mark’s death has sent shockwaves through the Essex Junction community, where he was known for his infectious energy, boundless enthusiasm, and the ability to make everyone around him feel welcome. Friends and classmates remember Mark not just as a high school student, but as someone who always had a smile to share and a helping hand to lend. His positivity was contagious, and his kindness was known to all who crossed his path.
“He was just such a happy kid,” said long-time family friend Sarah Miller. “Mark was always there for his friends. He was funny, caring, and had an amazing outlook on life. You could tell he was destined for something great.”
Mark had recently graduated from high school and was looking forward to the future. His plans were still taking shape, but those who knew him believe he had a bright road ahead. The news of his passing has left a hole in the hearts of all who knew him.
Christie Villa spoke of her son’s desire to redefine himself, sharing that Mark had been in the process of changing his name to Marcus Villa—a move that reflected his growing sense of self and his eagerness to embrace who he truly was. “He was just starting to understand himself,” she said, “and now all of that has been taken away.”
As the investigation into the cause of the crash continues, the loss of Mark Omand is a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the deep impact one young person can have on their community. Essex Junction residents, while mourning the loss, are also celebrating Mark’s legacy—his bright personality, his deep compassion, and the way he made others feel seen and valued.
“He wasn’t just a son, a brother, a friend,” said Christie, her voice breaking with sorrow. “He was someone who made the world a better place, just by being in it.”
The Essex Junction community is expected to come together in the coming days to honor Mark’s memory. A memorial gathering is being planned by friends and family, where Mark’s loved ones will celebrate his life and reflect on the lasting impact he had on all who knew him. In the wake of such an unimaginable loss, Mark Omand’s spirit will surely continue to live on in the hearts of those he touched.