A quiet evening in Durham was shattered on November 18, 2025, when 85-year-old Peter Lowe was struck and killed while crossing the road to check his mailbox. The fatal incident occurred around 5:01 p.m. at the intersection of Royalsborough Road and Smith Farm Road, a dimly lit rural area, underscoring the dangers of routine moments on poorly illuminated roads.
According to the Androscoggin County Regional Communications Center, deputies from the Androscoggin County Sheriff’s Office and Durham Fire-Rescue crews responded swiftly to the scene after the first call for help came in. Investigators report that 49-year-old Sara Bolduc of Freeport was driving southbound on Royalsborough Road in her black 2019 Ford Escape when the collision took place.
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Peter Lowe, who was attempting to cross the road to check his mailbox, was struck and tragically pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities noted that Mr. Lowe was wearing dark clothing, and the area where the incident occurred lacks street lighting—conditions that likely contributed to the difficulty in seeing him in the fading evening light.
The Androscoggin County Sheriff’s Office crash reconstructionist was quickly dispatched to the scene to investigate the circumstances of the collision. The investigation, which involves analyzing vehicle data, road conditions, and witness accounts, is ongoing. While the cause of the crash remains under review, officials are working to determine if any additional factors played a role.
The Freeport Police Department and Freeport Fire-Rescue also assisted in securing the scene and providing support during the emergency response.
As the community mourns the loss of Peter Lowe, local officials are urging residents to exercise extra caution when walking or driving in poorly lit areas, particularly during the darker hours of the fall season. The investigation remains active, and authorities are continuing to gather information to fully understand what led to the tragedy.