The Maine Warden Service responded to two fatal off-road vehicle crashes over the weekend, one involving a side-by-side ATV in Lowell on Friday, June 19, and another involving a dirt bike in Mayfield on Saturday, June 20.
Lowell ATV Crash
On Friday, June 19, 2026, at approximately 3:00 p.m., emergency personnel responded to a crash on Shore Lane, a private dirt road along Cold Stream Pond in Lowell. They found Frank McBride, 75, of Lowell, deceased at the scene from injuries sustained in the incident.According to the preliminary investigation, McBride was operating a 2023 Can-Am Maverick side-by-side when he veered off the right side of the road on a curve. The vehicle crossed a residence’s yard and driveway, struck a metal basketball pole, glanced off one tree, and then collided head-on with a second tree, which brought the ATV to a stop.The road was temporarily closed while investigators worked at the scene. The crash remains under active investigation. The Maine Warden Service thanked Howland Fire and EMS, the Penobscot County Sheriff’s Office, and the Penobscot Nation Warden Service for their assistance.
Mayfield Dirt Bike Crash
The second fatal crash occurred the following evening. On Saturday, June 20, 2026, at approximately 7:15 p.m., the Maine Warden Service was called to Palmer Pond Road in Mayfield.Game wardens arrived to find a 2016 Honda CRF 450R dirt bike off the side of the dirt road and its operator, David Pooler, 43, of Waterville, deceased. The initial investigation determined that Pooler was traveling at a high rate of speed, lost control of the motorcycle, and crashed. He was not wearing a helmet, and speed is believed to have been a contributing factor.Responders on scene included members of the Somerset County Sheriff’s Office and Upper Kennebec Valley EMS.The Maine Warden Service continues to investigate both incidents. No further details have been released at this time.
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