A quiet Tuesday evening in Durham turned tragic when an elderly resident was struck and killed while crossing the road to check his mailbox. The fatal incident occurred around 5:01 p.m. on November 18, 2025, prompting a swift response from multiple local agencies. For many in the community, the crash is a heartbreaking reminder of how quickly routine moments can take a devastating turn, especially on dimly lit rural roads.
According to the Androscoggin County Regional Communications Center, the first call for help came from the intersection of Royalsborough Road and Smith Farm Road. Deputies from the Androscoggin County Sheriff’s Office, along with Durham Fire-Rescue crews, were dispatched immediately. Officials say the preliminary investigation shows that 49-year-old Sara Bolduc of Freeport was driving southbound on Royalsborough Road in a black 2019 Ford Escape when the collision occurred.
Investigators reported that the pedestrian, 85-year-old Peter Lowe of Durham, had been crossing the roadway to check his mailbox at the time of the crash. Tragically, he did not survive his injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities noted that Mr. Lowe was wearing dark clothing, and the area where the crash happened has no street lighting—factors that may have made him more difficult for the driver to see in the fading light of early evening.
The Sheriff’s Office crash reconstructionist responded to the location shortly after the incident and is now working to piece together the full circumstances that led to the tragedy. Their findings will help determine whether additional factors contributed to the collision and whether any further action is necessary. Investigators emphasized that this process can take time, as it involves careful analysis of vehicle data, roadway conditions, and witness information.
Assistance at the scene was also provided by the Freeport Police Department and Freeport Fire-Rescue, who supported local responders during the initial emergency operations. The coordinated effort ensured that the area was secured and that investigators had the resources needed to conduct a thorough review.
As the community mourns the loss of Peter Lowe, officials are reminding residents to use extra caution when walking or driving in poorly lit areas, especially during the darker late-afternoon hours of the fall season. The crash remains under active investigation, and no additional details have yet been released.
