Authorities in Cumberland County are investigating a tragic crash in Naples, Maine, that claimed the life of a local resident on Thursday afternoon. The incident, which involved two vehicles and a pedestrian, occurred shortly after 4:10 p.m. on August 7, 2025, in the area of 227 Roosevelt Trail, a busy stretch of Route 302 that runs through the small Lakes Region community.
According to the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office, deputies and firefighters from the Naples Fire Department were dispatched following reports of a collision involving a pedestrian in a private driveway.
When first responders arrived, they found a chaotic scene: a 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee had left the roadway, collided with a parked 2013 Ford van, and struck a man who had been standing nearby.
The pedestrian, later identified as Scott Martin, 56, of Naples, sustained fatal injuries in the impact. Despite immediate medical attention from emergency personnel, Martin was pronounced dead at the scene.
Officials have not released further personal details, but neighbors described him as a well-known member of the community who was often seen working in his yard or chatting with passersby.
Preliminary findings from investigators indicate that the crash began when the Jeep, driven by a 29-year-old man from West Baldwin, swerved sharply to avoid another vehicle on the roadway.
In the process, the SUV veered off the pavement and into the driveway where Martin was standing. The force of the Jeep’s movement pushed it into the parked Ford van before coming to a stop.
Authorities have not yet identified the other vehicle involved in the evasive maneuver, nor have they confirmed whether that driver remained at the scene. The Sheriff’s Office noted that the Jeep driver stayed after the collision and was cooperative with investigators.
No charges have been filed at this stage, and officials emphasized that it remains too early to determine whether criminal or civil penalties will result from the incident.
The investigation is being conducted jointly by the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office and the Windham Police Department’s Crash Reconstruction Unit, which specializes in examining serious and fatal traffic collisions.
This process typically involves gathering witness statements, reviewing any available surveillance or dash-camera footage, analyzing skid marks and vehicle damage, and reconstructing the sequence of events leading to the crash.
Authorities have not publicly commented on factors such as speed, weather conditions, or whether impairment may have played any role. As of Thursday evening, no further information had been released, and the Sheriff’s Office indicated that updates will be provided as the investigation develops.
The fatal crash has rattled residents of Naples, a town of fewer than 4,000 people where deadly accidents are relatively uncommon. Several locals expressed shock that such a tragedy unfolded in a residential driveway along a familiar stretch of road.
Roosevelt Trail, while a primary thoroughfare for the region, is lined with homes, driveways, and small businesses, making driver attentiveness especially important.
Community members have begun placing flowers near the site of the collision in remembrance of Martin. Friends describe him as friendly, approachable, and deeply rooted in the area. “It’s heartbreaking,” one neighbor said. “Scott was the kind of guy who would wave when you drove by. To lose him like this—it’s just awful.”
Officials are urging anyone who may have witnessed the moments leading up to the crash, or who has relevant dash-cam footage, to contact the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office. They hope additional information will help clarify exactly how the events unfolded and determine whether any party may be held legally responsible.
As the investigation continues, the focus for many in Naples is on supporting Martin’s family and honoring his memory. While the official findings may take time, the impact of Thursday’s tragedy will be felt in the community for years to come.
