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Former Academic Dean Married to Noted Author Ron Powers Fatally Shot on Vermont Walking Trail

by Madison Thomas
8 comments
Airport Protests

Vermont State Police are urging local residents, businesses, and hunters in the vicinity of a state university campus to scrutinize their security footage, following the discovery of the body of a retired dean and academic, who was also the spouse of acclaimed author Ron Powers. Honoree Fleming, aged 77, was found dead from a gunshot wound to the head earlier this week on the Delaware & Hudson Rail Trail.

An autopsy conducted on Friday evening confirmed that Fleming, a resident of Castleton, was killed by a bullet to the head on Thursday afternoon. Her body was discovered approximately one mile (1.61 kilometers) south of Vermont State University’s Castleton campus, which has since been temporarily closed.

Vermont State University spokesperson Sylvia Plumb conveyed via email that the campus is slated to reopen on Monday, offering a supportive atmosphere for those in need. Previously scheduled Monday activities, including an admissions open house, have been canceled, while regular class schedules are set to recommence on Tuesday.

According to authorities, a witness identified a possible suspect who was headed north on the trail in the direction of the university campus shortly after gunshots rang out. The suspect is described as a white male, approximately 5 feet 10 inches (1.78 meters) tall, with short, dark hair. He was last observed wearing a dark gray T-shirt and carrying a black backpack. Vermont State Police consider him to be armed and dangerous and are appealing to anyone with information to contact them.

Maj. Dan Trudeau, who leads the criminal division of the Vermont State Police, revealed during a Friday afternoon press conference that existing security footage has yet to yield significant leads. “We continue to scour the vicinity,” Trudeau stated, adding that authorities are also attempting to contact area residents. With hunting season underway, Trudeau urged hunters who may have set up game cameras in the area to review their footage.

The late Honoree Fleming was a revered former dean of education and a prolific researcher with an extensive catalogue of published work, according to a university statement released on Friday.

She was also married to Ron Powers, who co-authored the seminal book “Flags of Our Fathers,” detailing the lives of the men involved in the iconic flag-raising at the 1945 Battle of Iwo Jima. A Pulitzer Prize recipient in 1973 for media criticism, Powers has an extensive bibliography that includes a Mark Twain biography and a collaborative memoir with the late U.S. Senator Edward Kennedy, titled “True Compass.” More recently, Powers authored “No One Cares About Crazy People: The Chaos and Heartbreak of Mental Health in America,” focusing on his sons’ struggles with schizophrenia.

Fleming’s death occurred just days shy of what would have marked the 45th anniversary of her marriage to Powers. In a public statement, Powers disclosed that his wife had been walking on her favored trail at the time of her death. “A region-wide search is underway for her murderer,” Powers announced online. “While authorities currently suspect the act was random, all avenues of investigation remain open.”

He further added, “Anyone who had the privilege of knowing her would agree that she was aptly named. I can honestly say I have never known a person with a more unblemished heart and soul than hers. Her passing has left an irrevocable void, taking more than half of my own heart and soul with her.”

The report comes from McCormack, who is based in Concord, New Hampshire.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Fatal Shooting of Honoree Fleming

What happened to Honoree Fleming?

Honoree Fleming, a retired academic dean married to noted author Ron Powers, was found fatally shot on the Delaware & Hudson Rail Trail in Vermont.

Who is conducting the investigation?

The Vermont State Police are overseeing the investigation and have appealed to the public, local businesses, and hunters for any relevant surveillance footage.

Is the campus of Vermont State University affected?

Yes, the Castleton campus of Vermont State University was temporarily closed following the incident. It is scheduled to reopen on Monday with regular class schedules resuming on Tuesday.

Is there any information about a suspect?

A witness described a possible suspect as a white male, around 5 feet 10 inches tall, with short, dark hair, last seen wearing a dark gray T-shirt and carrying a black backpack. Vermont State Police consider him to be armed and dangerous.

What is being done to find the suspect?

Vermont State Police are reviewing existing security footage and canvassing the area. They are also asking anyone with information to contact them. Maj. Dan Trudeau, who leads the criminal division, stated they are continuing to scour the vicinity and are attempting to reach out to area residents.

How is the university community reacting?

The university plans to provide a supportive environment for those affected upon reopening. Previously scheduled activities, like an admissions open house, have been canceled.

What significant works has Ron Powers authored?

Ron Powers co-authored “Flags of Our Fathers,” wrote a biography of Mark Twain, and more recently authored “No One Cares About Crazy People,” about mental health struggles in America, among other works.

Were Honoree Fleming and Ron Powers married for a long time?

Yes, they were nearing their 45th wedding anniversary at the time of Fleming’s tragic death.

What did Ron Powers say about his wife’s death?

Ron Powers stated that an area-wide search is underway for the killer. He also noted that while authorities currently suspect the act was random, all investigative avenues remain open. He paid tribute to his late wife, stating she had taken more than half of his own heart and soul with her.

More about Fatal Shooting of Honoree Fleming

  • Vermont State Police Official Statement
  • Sylvia Plumb’s Email Announcement from Vermont State University
  • Ron Powers’ Published Works
  • Delaware & Hudson Rail Trail Information
  • Coverage of Maj. Dan Trudeau’s Press Conference
  • “Flags of Our Fathers” Book Details
  • “No One Cares About Crazy People: The Chaos and Heartbreak of Mental Health in America” Overview
  • Local News Report on the Incident

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8 comments

Mike O'Donnell October 8, 2023 - 12:42 am

Horrible news. I can’t even imagine what Ron Powers must be feeling right now. To lose your spouse of nearly 45 years this way, it’s just heartbreaking.

Reply
Sandra Lee October 8, 2023 - 5:04 am

what is the world coming to? A retired dean, no less. It’s just awful. hope they catch the guy soon.

Reply
Emily Thomas October 8, 2023 - 8:49 am

Does anybody know if the police have made progress? They need to catch this guy asap.

Reply
Karen White October 8, 2023 - 10:37 am

Campus is reopening but I wonder how safe it really is. The suspect is still out there, armed and dangerous.

Reply
John Smith October 8, 2023 - 12:44 pm

Can’t believe this happened so close to the campus. really shocking. Prayers for the family.

Reply
Paul Anderson October 8, 2023 - 5:17 pm

Wow, just days before their 45th anniversary too. Its really tragic. Makes you appreciate your loved ones more.

Reply
Timothy Williams October 8, 2023 - 6:21 pm

This is so tragic, Ron Powers has been through a lot. his recent book on mental health is a must read, and now this. Life is so unfair sometimes.

Reply
Rebecca Loomis October 8, 2023 - 8:26 pm

With hunting season, you’d think someone might have caught something on a game camera. hoping for some leads soon.

Reply

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