Maine’s Motorcycle Death Rate On The Rise Following Latest Fatal Crash In Glenburn

The number of fatal motorcycle crashes in the state of Maine has just hit 21 with the death of yet another driver in Glenburn Tuesday evening.

The Penobscot County Sheriff's Office is investigating. They say dispatchers were notified of the crash just after 11 PM, from a cell phone's automated crash notification system. The automated call put the crash somewhere near Phillips Road in Glenburn, so that's where deputies started their search.

Read More: Freeport Man, 78, Dies After Motorcycle Crash On I-295

"Upon arrival, a Deputy located an unresponsive male and a crashed motorcycle in the woods. Glenburn Fire and Rescue responded to assist and confirmed that the male was deceased."

Authorities combed the scene for anyone else who may have been involved or unaccounted for, but found no one.

"Deputies and Glenburn Fire and Rescue personnel conducted a thorough search of the surrounding woods, both by hand and with the use of a FLIR system, to ensure there were no additional occupants involved in the crash."

Read More: Fatal Motorcycle Crash On Route 1 In Hancock Under Investigation

The Sheriff's Office has a special motorcycle inspection mechanic that is working on the investigation, along with deputies with the Patrol Division, Criminal Investigation Division, and the Crash Reconstruction Team.

Witnesses from the area said they heard the crash in the evening. It's reported that the motorcycle, a Harley, took out a metal directional sign and ended up against a new telephone pole at one point.

That area of Glenburn has historically been a problematic area with a sharp curve, according to locals. There have been several fatalities occurring in or around the same spot through the years.

Get our free mobile app

In August alone, there have been at least 4 motorcycle-related fatalities, bringing the total this year to at least 21. May saw the highest numbers of deaths with 6 fatalities.

The Maine DOT says last year, there were 25 deaths involving motorcycles in the Pine Tree  State.

Authorities have not yet released the identity of the deceased. We will update the story as more information becomes avaiable.