Police Still Investigating Double Fatal Accident

Compiled from press releases and media reports

Police continue to probe why an SUV strayed off Old Falls Road on Wednesday, August 2, 2023, resulting in the deaths of a Vermont man and his grandson.

Michael Gilbar, 65, of Jericho, Vermont, and his 15-year-old grandson were processing firewood outside their summer house on the corner of Old Falls Road and Kennebunk Road (Route 99) when they were hit by a 2000 Chevy Equinox at around 4:00 p.m., police said. Gilbar was taken by ambulance to Sanford Regional Airport but died before he could be transferred to a Life Flight helicopter. His grandson died at the scene.

The name of the driver has not been released and police say it may take further investigation to determine why he went off the road. He was taken to the hospital with injuries that were believed to be non-life-threatening. Maj. Matthew Gagne of the Sanford Police Department said Thursday that he does not yet know if the injuries were related to a prior medical event or were sustained in the crash.

Gagne said the driver has been cooperative with police and no charges have yet been filed.

The investigation into the cause will include a vehicle autopsy that examines data downloaded from the SUV. The York County Sheriff’s Office is doing a reconstruction of the crash, Gagne said.

After the vehicle autopsy and reconstruction are complete, police will consult with the district attorney’s office about possible charges, he said.

Gilbar and his wife purchased the house in late 2021.