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

Telephone: work (207) 287-6008 cell (207) 592-1164

Fax: (207) 287-6395

July 19, 2008

Two Injured in ATV Accident

Hartland – Two people from Massachusetts were seriously injured in an ATV incident at approximately 3 p.m. Saturday (July 19) in Hartland, according to the Maine Warden Service.

Heather Gould, 20, was riding on a 4-wheel All-Terrain Vehicle being driven by Doug Surette, 22, on what’s called Sappi Road in Hartland when they approached a corner that gradually goes to the left, said Game Warden Aaron Cross. Both are Massachusetts residents. Their hometowns are unknown at this time.

“They missed the turn, drove into the slash and ended up about 40 yards off the trail,” Cross said. “There wasn’t even any skid marks. They just went into the woods.”

Neither Ms. Gould nor Mr. Surette were wearing a helmet, Cross said. Driving too fast for conditions and alcohol were factors in the incident, he said.

Mr. Surette was transported by LifeFlight to Eastern Maine Medical Center in Bangor. Ms. Gould was transported to Sebasticook Valley Hospital in Pittsfield. Both suffered head and other injuries.

“Luckily there injuries are not life threatening,” Warden Cross said. “They’re lucky to be alive.”

Warden Cross said Mr. Surette was cited for operating under the influence of alcohol.

The Maine Warden Service was assisted by the Somerset County Sheriff’s Office.

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