PARIS, ME – A Mexico man died in a motorcycle crash on Park Street (Route 26) Wednesday afternoon.
Carleton Merrill, 33, lost control of his 2025 Kawasaki motorcycle around 1:30 p.m. as he attempted to pass a vehicle, swerved to avoid another, and went off the road, according to authorities.
Merrill was transported to MaineHealth Stephens Hospital in Norway, where he later succumbed to his injuries, confirmed Paris Police Chief Michael Ward.
Assisting at the scene were the PARIS FIRE DEPARTMENT, MAINE STATE POLICE, ANDROSCOGGIN COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE, and OXFORD COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE, which led the accident reconstruction.
Authorities indicated that speed was a factor in the crash, which occurred in a 55 mph zone. Merrill was the only individual on the motorcycle; investigators are still assessing the involvement of any other vehicles and injuries.
Traffic was closed for several hours following the incident. Witnesses are encouraged to contact the Paris Police Department at 207-743-7448.
This incident marks the second fatal motorcycle crash in Paris in less than a month. On May 6, 21-year-old Zackery May died in a collision with a pickup truck, where speed and inexperience were deemed factors.