Community in shock as 4 Maine college students die after car crashes into tree and EXPLODES

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The three others who survived the crash are Noelle Tavares, 20, of North Falmouth, Massachusetts; Dominick Gecoya, 20, of Middleton, Massachusetts; and Joshua Goncalves-Radding, 20. Goncalves-Radding was the driver. Shore Road was closed for more than eight hours after the crash, which took place shortly after 2 am. State police were investigating the case.

The management of the Maine Maritime Academy has also posted a statement regarding the tragic deaths of the students. Jerry S Paul, the President of the institute has his statement on the institute's website, “I am devastated to confirm that today Maine Maritime Academy lost four of our students in a single vehicle accident early this morning. Three others were injured. Our community is grieving for these young lives and for their families. While we have lost beloved members of our student body, tonight there are four families who have lost their children. I ask for continued respect and privacy of our Maine Maritime family. Please hold these young people close to your hearts and in your prayers. We will of course continue to work with the authorities in the coming days and continue to offer counseling support to our students, faculty and staff.”

According to News Center Maine, there has been an outpouring of support and tributes for the deceased. One of the deceased Fossett was a graduate of Gardiner Area High School. The school's principal Chad Kempton said in a statement, “[He was] a really quiet kind of reserved kid, always had a smile, always very happy, kept to himself, but had a really strong circle of friends ... liked by everyone – and I say that with all honesty.” 

The correspondent of the York School department, Loui Goscinski also paid tribute to another victim Brian Kenealy. "What I can say is that: We are deeply saddened and sorrowful to have learned about the untimely passing of Brian Kenealy, a 2021 graduate of York High School, in a car accident in Castine, Maine. Brian was an outstanding student-athlete who was beloved by his classmates, faculty, and staff. He took his skills to the Maine Maritime Academy where he continued to excel academically and on the soccer field. Our thoughts and prayers are with Brian’s family as well as all who knew and loved him. Brian will be greatly missed. The York School Department will have counselors available next week and for as long as needed to support our students and school employees to cope with the loss."