Driver Killed in Single-Vehicle Crash on U.S. Highway 1 in Sullivan; Investigation Ongoing

October 21, 2025 — by Scanner Alerts Media

SULLIVAN, Maine — The Hancock County Sheriff’s Department reports a fatal single-vehicle crash on U.S. Highway 1 near Taunton Drive late Tuesday morning. The driver and sole occupant, Gared L. Birdtail, 32, of Milbridge, Maine and Michigan, died from injuries sustained in the crash.

According to the department, at approximately 10:39 a.m. on October 21, 2025, the Hancock County Regional Communications Center received multiple reports of a crash on U.S. Highway 1 in Sullivan. Investigators determined that a red 2010 Dodge Avenger operated by Mr. Birdtail was traveling westbound when witnesses observed it at a high rate of speed. The vehicle was unable to safely negotiate a curve, left the right side of the roadway, and descended a small embankment.

The Sheriff’s Office states the Dodge continued along the roadside, struck a tree, rolled onto its roof, and collided with a second tree before coming to rest. Mr. Birdtail was pronounced deceased at the scene. No additional occupants were involved, and no other vehicles were reported in the incident. The vehicle sustained significant disabling damage.

The primary investigating officer is Detective Rick Canarr of the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office. He was assisted at the scene by Chief Deputy William Birch, Lt. Brian Archer, Lt. Dakota Dupuis, Sgt. Rob Morang, Sgt. Marcus Downes, Deputy Kamren Jennings, and Deputy Ernest Fitch. Officials noted that Sgt. Marcus Downes is leading the crash reconstruction effort.

Additional assistance was provided by the Sullivan Fire Department, Franklin Fire Department, and Hancock Fire Department, as well as Versant Power, Maine Department of Transportation, and D.C. Towing. The department did not release information regarding traffic control measures or roadway closure duration beyond the on-scene response.

As of this release, the cause of the crash remains under investigation. The Sheriff’s Office indicated that no further details are available at this time and that updates will be provided as the investigative and reconstruction work proceeds.

Credit: Hancock County Sheriff’s