AVON, ME — A plane crash on Tuesday morning claimed the life of Game Warden Pilot Joshua Tibbetts, 41, around 11 a.m. near a pond.
According to the Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife, Tibbetts had served with the agency for 18 years, most recently supporting search and rescue, law enforcement, and public safety operations. The aircraft was a Cessna 185F, and he was the sole occupant.
Authorities are currently investigating the cause of the crash, with assistance from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). No immediate details on the crash dynamics or contributing factors have been released.
Governor Janet Mills stated she had been briefed on the incident, expressing condolences for Tibbetts' family and colleagues. “My heart is with the warden's family and loved ones, their colleagues at the Maine Warden Service, and all affected by this tragedy,” Mills said.
The investigation is ongoing, and updates will be provided as new information becomes available.