Fatal Hit-and-Run on Route 1 Claims Life of Howard Gribbin, 59, Leaving Scarborough Community Shaken

On the quiet morning of Friday, June 27, 2025, just as the sun began to cast its pale glow across the horizon, a moment of irreversible tragedy unfolded along Route 1 near Southgate Road in Scarborough, Maine. Howard Gribbin, a 59-year-old cyclist and long-time community member, was struck by a vehicle while riding southbound on the highway. The vehicle, believed to be a silver SUV, sped away from the scene without stopping, leaving behind shattered debris, a grievously injured man, and a host of unanswered questions.

At approximately 4:15 a.m., emergency services received a 911 call reporting the incident. First responders arrived to find Gribbin severely injured, lying along the shoulder of the road, with his bicycle crumpled nearby. Despite the valiant efforts of paramedics, who stabilized him at the scene and rushed him to Maine Medical Center, Gribbin succumbed to his injuries shortly after arrival. His death, sudden and brutal, reverberated through Scarborough and beyond, striking a chord with those who knew him personally and many more who felt the shock of such a senseless loss.

According to initial reports from the Scarborough Police Department, witnesses described the fleeing vehicle as a silver SUV, likely bearing substantial front-end damage from the collision. Authorities immediately issued an alert to mechanics, auto body shops, and local residents, urging them to be on the lookout for any vehicle matching the description. Investigators continue to appeal to the public for tips, asking anyone with information to call 207-730-4329 or 207-730-4303.

Howard Gribbin was not just a cyclist; he was a neighbor, a friend, and a vibrant presence in the community. Though much of his life was led outside the spotlight, those who knew him remember his quiet generosity, his love of the outdoors, and his unwavering commitment to healthy living. Cycling, for Gribbin, was not just exercise; it was a meditation, a connection to nature, and a celebration of independence. He rode that stretch of Route 1 often—early mornings being his preferred time to embrace the road’s rhythm and solitude.

His sudden death highlights a darker side of modern transportation—the vulnerability of cyclists and pedestrians on roads that often prioritize speed over safety. Scarborough, like many towns across Maine and the United States, has witnessed a growing number of cyclists embracing the health and environmental benefits of biking. But infrastructure has not always kept pace with this cultural shift, leaving riders exposed and at risk.

The fact that the driver fled the scene compounds the tragedy. In Maine, as in most states, it is a felony to leave the scene of an accident involving injury or death. Legal experts point to a variety of reasons why hit-and-run incidents occur—panic, intoxication, driving without a license or insurance—but none excuse the fundamental breach of humanity involved in abandoning someone in their moment of greatest need.

In the days following the crash, an outpouring of grief surged online and within the community. Messages poured into tribute pages set up by friends and family. One neighbor, Marcia Edmonds, wrote: “Howard was one of the kindest souls I’ve ever known. He never passed you by without a wave. He cared about people in a quiet, profound way.” Others remembered his contributions to local volunteer efforts, his help with food pantry deliveries, and his occasional guest talks at the local senior center, where he encouraged others to remain active and engaged with the world around them.

The Scarborough Town Council issued a statement acknowledging the loss and reaffirming their commitment to road safety. “Our hearts go out to the Gribbin family,” the statement read. “We must redouble our efforts to ensure that our streets are safe for everyone—drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians alike.”

This fatal collision arrives amid growing concern over traffic fatalities nationwide. According to preliminary data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 2024 saw a concerning uptick in cyclist deaths, with hit-and-run incidents comprising a significant percentage. Urban planners and transportation officials have been pushing for new design philosophies—like complete streets and protected bike lanes—that balance the needs of all road users. Scarborough, while having made strides in recent years, still has areas where safety infrastructure lags.

Route 1, in particular, has long been considered a hazardous corridor for non-motorized users. Though scenic in places, with stretches of lush greenery and access to local parks, it is also known for its fast-moving traffic and sparse shoulder protection. Cyclists have reported feeling uneasy along parts of the route, especially during low-light conditions or inclement weather.

Howard’s death has reignited calls for change. Local advocacy groups, such as the Maine Bicycle Coalition, have organized a memorial ride to honor Gribbin and raise awareness. The event, scheduled for next week, will trace the same route Howard rode that fateful morning and culminate in a candlelight vigil near the crash site. “Howard’s death must not be in vain,” said coalition spokesperson Elena Harris. “We ride for him and for every rider who takes their life into their hands just by choosing a bicycle.”

Law enforcement continues to treat the investigation as a top priority. Surveillance footage from local businesses is being reviewed, and paint chips collected from the crash site are undergoing forensic analysis. While no arrests have been made yet, police are optimistic that the vehicle—and its driver—will be identified.

As the legal process unfolds, attention also turns to healing and remembrance. The Gribbin family has expressed their gratitude for the community’s support but requested privacy as they navigate their grief. A family statement reads: “Howard was our heart. He lived simply, loved deeply, and believed in doing good quietly. We are devastated by this loss but uplifted by the love that has surrounded us.”

Memorial services are being planned for later this month. The Cote Funeral Home will assist the family with arrangements, and details will be shared once finalized. In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that donations be made to local bicycle safety organizations or to Maine Medical Center’s trauma response unit.

In times of tragedy, a community’s resilience is measured by how it comes together to remember, to support, and to act. Scarborough, in its collective mourning for Howard Gribbin, has demonstrated compassion and solidarity. But grief also carries a mandate—to learn, to improve, and to ensure that such losses do not happen in vain.

The morning of June 27th began like any other. For Howard Gribbin, it was a morning to ride, to breathe in the early summer air, and to enjoy the open road. Instead, it became the final chapter in a life that touched many. As the investigation moves forward and the community prepares to say goodbye, one truth resonates above all: Howard deserved better.

And so, as candles flicker along the shoulder of Route 1, as tires roll in tribute, and as hearts remember, the hope remains that through remembrance will come resolution, through grief will come change, and through loss will come lasting safety for all who travel Maine’s roads.