On August 11th, 2021 at approximately 10:18 p.m., Maine State Police responded to a fatal crash on Ayers Junction Road in Pembroke involving a
2009 Toyota Camry, driven by 58-year-old Hardy Preston of Edmunds Township and a 2003 GMC Sonoma, driven by 17-year-old Russell
Kirshman of Marion Township.
The crash occurred when Kirshman, traveling in the westbound lane crossed the centerline and struck Preston’s car head-on.
Preston died at the scene. Kirshman was transported to Calais Regional Hospital for minor injuries.
Distracted driving and driving too fast for conditions appear to be factors in the crash.
Corporal Jeffrey Taylor responded as the primary investigating officer and was assisted at the scene by Sergeant Jeffrey Ingemi, Border Patrol, Washington County Sheriff’s Office, Pleasant Point PD. Baileyville PD., Pembroke Fire, Dennysville Fire and Rescue, Calais Ambulance, and Lyon’s Towing.
The Maine State Police would like to extend their condolences to the family and friends of Hardy Preston.