Press Releases

Contact: Edie Smith, Spokesperson
Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife
284 State Street
41 State House Station
Augusta, ME 04333


Telephone: work (207) 592-4348

Fax: (207) 287-6395

January 23, 2011

Chester Man Critically Injured in Snowmobile Incident

Augusta, Maine - Greg Richard Sr., 61, of Chester was critically injured Saturday night when he failed to negotiate a left turn while snowmobiling and struck several trees.

snowmobile in trees


A snowmobile driven by Greg Richard Sr. of Chester sits among trees after it was driven into trees Saturday night. Mr. Richard was seriously injured in the crash. Photo provided by Maine Warden Service

Mr. Richard was operating a 1999 Polaris Wide Track snowmobile with his son, Greg Richard Jr., 38, also of Chester onboard at approximately 9 p.m. from Pocumcus Lake in Township 6 Range 1, west of Grand Lake Stream. They were on an access road en route to a parking area at Elsemore Landing to help a friend with an ice shack when the elder Mr. Richard failed to negotiate the turn and hit several trees.

Mr. Richard was transported by a friend in his truck to meet Indian Township Ambulance, which transported him to Calais Regional Hospital. He was later flown by Life Flight to Eastern Maine Medical Center in Bangor.

Mr. Richard suffered severe internal injuries and broken bones. He is in critical condition.

Greg Richard Jr. was not injured in the incident.

Neither man was wearing a helmet. Speed and alcohol may be factors in the crash. The incident is under investigation.

Maine Warden Service Game Warden Brad Richard is the primary investigator.  He was assisted at the scene by members of the Passamaquoddy Warden Service and MWS Sgt. Ron Dunham.