Speed, alcohol blamed in fatal snowmobile crash

TAUNTON & RAYNHAM ACADEMY GRANT, Maine - A 38-year-old Lewiston man is dead after the snowmobile he was riding struck a tree Saturday evening in northern Somerset county.

Shawn Chamberlain was traveling south on a 2018 Polaris 800 XC along ITS 88 in Taunton & Raynham Academy Grant around 5 p.m. when he failed to negotiate a turn and struck a tree. Chamberlain's riding partner witnessed the crash and began CPR immediately then flagged down a passing vehicle that called 911.

Maine Game Wardens and Emergency Medical personnel arrived at the scene and continued CPR until he was pronounced dead at 5:20 p.m.

Game Wardens believe that speed and alcohol were contributing factors in the crash, and the incident remains under investigation at this time.

"Snowmobilers need to drive appropriately for the trail and the conditions," said Maine Game Warden Sergeant Bill Chandler, "And above all, don't drink and ride."

Chamberlain's death brings to nine the number of fatal snowmobile accidents in Maine this riding season.