FRANKLIN — The man who was at the wheel of an all-terrain vehicle when it flipped over in a gravel pit last month was allegedly drunk at the time the accident happened.
Game Warden Phil Richter said 24-year-old Nathan Mosley was driving a four-passenger four-wheeler in a gravel pit off of Egypt Road in Franklin when it rolled over around 1:30 a.m. on May 25.
An investigation into the incident led to Mosley being charged by State Trooper Greg Roy with operating an ATV while under the influence.
Richter said speed and alcohol are both believed to be factors, but said it is difficult to determine exactly what caused the ATV to roll over.
Mosley was injured in the crash and was treated at Maine Coast Memorial Hospital in Ellsworth.
His passenger, 26-year-old Darci Fortier of Ellsworth, was more seriously injured. Richter said Fortier suffered “severe head injuries” because she was thrown from the ATV when it rolled over.
Richter said Fortier did not have a seat belt or a helmet on. LifeFlight helicopter was called but could not fly due to foggy conditions, and Fortier was taken by ambulance to Eastern Maine Medical Center in Bangor.
Community support for Fortier and her family has been strong. A recent fund-raiser at Helen’s Restaurant brought in $6,200 to help cover medical bills, and a benefit 5K road race is planned for later this month.
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Steve Fuller
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