Hancock County Deputy Dies when Struck by Passing Vehicle on Route 3

The Hancock County Sheriff's Department is mourning the loss of one of its deputies in a crash early Thursday morning.

The accident on the Bar Harbor Road claimed the life of Deputy Luke Gross. Officials say Gross responded to a report of a vehicle off the road on Route 3 in Trenton just before 4 AM.

While at the scene, Gross was struck by a vehicle traveling on Route 3 and injured, according to a news release from the Hancock County Sheriff's Office. Gross did not survive his injuries.

Gross, who was from Bucksport, served for 18 years with the sheriff's department. He leaves behind his wife and two children.

Maine Gov. Janet Mills issued a statement:

"Today, we mourn the loss of Deputy Gross, a member of Maine’s law enforcement community killed in the line of duty. My heart goes out to his friends, family, and fellow officers. May we always remember that our law enforcement officers are dedicated public servants who risk their own lives every day to protect the safety of Maine people," Gov. Janet Mills said in a statement.  "Deputy Gross ended his watch protecting our great state, and his service and sacrifice will not be forgotten. On behalf of the people of Maine, I extend our condolences to his family, loved ones, and colleagues around the state."

Deputy Gross is the third member of the Hancock County Sheriff's Department to die in the line of duty.

Sheriff John Webster and Deputy Sheriff Edwin Finn drowned in Green Lake in November of 1911. The two men had gone to Camp Comfort to interview two men about a recent burglary at another nearby camp. According to the Officer Down Memorial Page, the Sheriff and Deputy then borrowed a boat to cross the lake, as a shortcut. It was a stormy day and their boat capsized. An attempt to reach them was unsuccessful, as the rescue boat also capsized.

Our sincerest condolences to the family and friends of Deputy Gross, and to the Hancock County Sheriff's Office community.