Milbridge, Maine – A tragic accident on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, claimed the life of 79-year-old Clyde Samuelson Jr., a resident of Columbia, Maine. Samuelson was driving a 2011 Ford pickup truck when he lost control of the vehicle while traveling eastbound on Route 1. The truck veered off the road and into a ditch, situated between Route 1 and the nearby Sunrise Trail. Despite the swift arrival of emergency responders, Samuelson was pronounced dead at the scene. His passing has left the Milbridge community in mourning.

The Fatal Crash

The incident occurred on a relatively calm afternoon as Samuelson drove his Ford pickup truck along the familiar stretch of Route 1. For reasons that remain under investigation, Samuelson’s vehicle unexpectedly veered off the road and entered a ditch. The vehicle came to a stop in a location that is typically used for recreational activities, particularly the Sunrise Trail, which is popular for walking and biking. The ditch where the vehicle landed was situated just off the main road.

Emergency personnel, including the Washington County Sheriff’s Office and Milbridge Fire Department, responded rapidly to the scene. Despite the prompt efforts to assist, including life-saving measures, Samuelson was declared deceased at the crash site. Authorities confirmed that no other individuals were involved in the incident, and no passengers were in the truck at the time of the crash.

The crash site has been examined by local law enforcement and emergency responders, but as of now, the specific cause of the accident remains unclear. Investigations are ongoing as the Maine State Police work to determine the factors that led to Samuelson losing control of his vehicle and tragically losing his life. Officials have not ruled out any potential contributing factors, including medical emergencies, road conditions, or other circumstances that might have played a role.

Investigating the Cause

The ongoing investigation into the crash is being led by the Maine State Police. Officials are working to understand the circumstances that led to the fatal incident. At this time, it is unknown whether speeding, distraction, weather, or any other external factors contributed to the crash. Investigators are also looking into whether Samuelson may have experienced a medical event while driving, which could have caused him to lose control of the vehicle.

In the aftermath of the crash, the Maine State Police are urging anyone who may have witnessed the incident or who has relevant information to come forward. They are asking the public to contact law enforcement if they have any details that could help with the investigation, particularly if they were in the area at the time of the crash or if they have dashcam footage from Route 1 that could offer insight into the incident.

Community in Mourning

The news of Samuelson’s death has deeply impacted the Milbridge community, where he was known to many as a longtime resident. While specific details about his background have not been fully disclosed, his passing has left a void in the community, and tributes have begun to pour in from those who knew him. Many have expressed their sorrow on social media and local community forums, remembering Samuelson as a kind, hardworking individual who contributed to the town over the years.

Local officials and community members have shared their condolences with the Samuelson family, offering support during this difficult time. The loss of a beloved member of the community has created an outpouring of sympathy, with many reflecting on the fragility of life and the importance of supporting one another in times of grief.

A Call for Road Safety

While the cause of the crash remains under investigation, it has prompted local residents to reflect on the risks of driving, particularly in rural areas like Milbridge. Despite being a familiar route, the intersection of Route 1 and the Sunrise Trail has now become a focal point for concerns over road safety. While the area is not typically associated with heavy traffic, the recent tragedy highlights how easily accidents can occur, even on well-traveled and seemingly safe roads.

As investigators work to piece together the details of the incident, many residents are calling for increased awareness of road safety in their area. Some have suggested that enhanced signage, better road markings, or additional safety features such as traffic calming measures could help prevent similar accidents in the future.

The tragedy serves as a reminder of the risks that exist on the road, particularly in rural communities where intersections may not always be well-lit or clearly marked. Local authorities have emphasized the importance of remaining vigilant and cautious while driving, even on familiar routes, and have urged drivers to be aware of changing road conditions and potential hazards.

A Legacy of Clyde Samuelson Jr.

Clyde Samuelson Jr.’s sudden passing is a reminder of how quickly life can change. Though details of his life and legacy have yet to be fully shared, his death has had a profound effect on his community and those who knew him. Friends, family, and neighbors are left mourning the loss of a man who was loved by many. Tributes and memories are being shared on social media, with local residents fondly recalling the contributions Samuelson made to the town of Columbia and Milbridge.

In the coming days, a memorial service or tribute is expected to be announced, allowing the community to come together to honor Samuelson’s memory and offer support to his family. As the investigation continues and the cause of the crash is determined, the community is left to process the loss of one of their own.

The Road Ahead: Ongoing Investigation

As the investigation into the cause of the crash continues, authorities are expected to provide more updates once further information is available. The Maine State Police are working diligently to reconstruct the events that led to Samuelson’s fatal accident, and they remain hopeful that the investigation will provide answers to the grieving community.

In the meantime, the crash serves as a painful reminder of the importance of road safety, both for residents of Milbridge and for all drivers on the roads across Maine. It is essential to recognize the potential dangers that exist on even the most familiar routes and to take precautions to ensure the safety of all road users.

The Samuelson family, along with the town of Milbridge, continues to mourn the loss of Clyde Samuelson Jr., and as the investigation unfolds, the hope is that his death will lead to renewed efforts to improve road safety in the area and raise awareness about the risks faced by all drivers on the road.