Maine officials, offroad clubs urge safety after two ATV-related deaths

MAINE PUBLIC • August 18, 2026

On Saturday, 20-year-old Bruce Kennedy of North Berwick lost control of his ATV while traveling at a high speed on Piscataquis County trails. He died at the scene due to the injuries suffered in the crash. A day later, two fifteen-year-olds were riding in a 2026 CF Moto Z Force side-by-side in Fort Fairfield. One of the boys was thrown from the vehicle and died on the scene. The other boy was transported to Cary Medical Center in Caribou with injuries. Ron Fournier is the recreational safety supervisor for the MDIFW. He says riders often neglect basic safety protocol on trails they feel comfortable on, but conditions are often changing.