Hancock County sheriff's deputy struck, killed by motorist after responding to call

Sep. 23—A Hancock County Sheriff deputy was killed early Thursday morning after he was struck by a motorist while responding to a call on Route 3 in Trenton, between Ellsworth and Mount Desert Island.

Deputy Luke Gross had been sent to check on a vehicle that had gone off the road shortly before 5 a.m. While at the scene and out of his police cruiser, Gross was struck by another vehicle. He did not survive his injuries.

Hancock County Sheriff Scott Kane, in an emotional briefing with media members later Thursday, called Gross a "credit to his profession."

"Luke always had a smile and was a joy to be around. We will miss Luke greatly," Kane said while reading from prepared remarks. "The world needs more like Luke in law enforcement and in our community.

Gross was a veteran of 18 years with the sheriff's department and a longtime DARE (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) officer in local schools as well. He leaves behind a wife of 15 years, Lauren, and two children.

Gross started his law enforcement career in Winthrop and Sabattus before joining the sheriff's department near his hometown of Bucksport. Kane also served on the school board in the town of Hancock, where he lived and where his children attended school.

"Luke had a passion for working with and helping young people. He was at home working in schools and being with kids. He was a role model and was highly respected," the sheriff said. "He was a big kid himself."

No other information was available about the crash, including the driver of the vehicle, but Maine State Police will investigate to determine whether any charges are appropriate.

Gross is the 88th police officer to die in the line of duty in Maine's history, according to Shannon Moss, spokeswoman for the Department of Public Safety. The most recent death was Detective Benjamin Campbell of the Maine State Police, who died in a freak accident on Interstate 95 in Hampden in 2019 when he was struck by a wheel that came loose from a logging truck. He was 31.

"The Maine State Police extends our deepest condolences to the Gross family and our friends and colleagues at the Hancock County Sheriff's Office," Col. John Cote said in a statement. "We have worked closely with Sheriff's personnel this morning and will continue to provide any and all resources to assist them in the days and weeks ahead as they navigate this difficult time. Maine's law enforcement family is connected through our common mission, and the loss of any member, regardless of agency, deeply impacts all of us."

Although the details of the incident have not been disclosed, police agencies in Maine have been doing more to remind motorists about a state law that requires drivers to move over and slow down when approaching stopped emergency vehicles with flashing lights activated. A notice this summer from the Bureau of Highway Safety was preceded by a handful of accidents involving police cruisers that were pulled over. In one instance, a volunteer firefighter in Washington County was hospitalized with serious injuries after he was hit by a car while working with other first responders to put out a vehicle fire.

Gov. Janet Mills released a statement of condolences on Gross' death Thurdsay and said she will direct U.S. and Maine flags to be lowered to half-staff on the day of his funeral service.

"Today, we mourn the loss of Deputy Gross, a member of Maine's law enforcement community killed in the line of duty," Mills said. "My heart goes out to his friends, family, and fellow officers. May we always remember that our law enforcement officers are dedicated public servants who risk their own lives every day to protect the safety of Maine people.

"Deputy Gross ended his watch protecting our great state, and his service and sacrifice will not be forgotten. On behalf of the people of Maine, I extend our condolences to his family, loved ones, and colleagues around the state."

Sen. Louie Luchini, who represents Hancock County, also issued a statement.

"My deepest sympathies and condolences go out to his family, especially his wife and children, his friends, his fellow officers, and our whole community," he said. "His commitment to the people of Hancock County will never be forgotten. Each year, we recognize the Maine law enforcement officers lost in the line of duty at the Memorial Service for fallen officers held at the State Capitol; our hearts will all be heavier this year remembering Deputy Gross."

Tributes also began flooding social media from other police agencies around the state. Many departments also had members participate in a procession as Gross' body was brought from Hancock County to the state medical examiner's office in Augusta.