Deaths of Maine grandmother, grandkids in submerged car found not suspicious
A tragic incident unfolded Sunday morning in rural Washington County when the bodies of a 61‑year‑old woman and her two young grandchildren were recovered from a vehicle submerged in the ocean near Pond Cove. Sharon Bukulmez, accompanied by her grandchildren Kinsley Grubb, five, and Sawyer Grubb, three, had departed a wedding in Jonesboro at roughly 8:30 p.m. on Saturday, intending to travel the short 7½‑mile stretch of U.S. Route 1 to Machias to visit a family friend. They never reached their destination.
Family members reported the trio missing that evening, prompting a search that led investigators to ping Bukulmez’s cellphone to a location near a boat ramp in Roque Bluffs, a community of fewer than 300 residents. Police arrived at dawn to find the car at the end of Schoppee Point Road, a paved lane that slopes directly into the water and serves as the area’s public boat launch. The road, unlit and marked only by two large, non‑illuminated “ROAD ENDS” signs, terminates abruptly at the shoreline with no gate or barrier to stop a vehicle.
The Washington County Sheriff’s Office deferred comment to the Maine State Police, whose spokesperson, Shannon Moss, said the deaths are not considered suspicious at this stage. “It’s going to be a long and thorough investigation,” Moss explained, adding, “Hopefully we can get the cause and manner (of death) in the next few days.” Autopsies are pending, and officials have not ruled out the possibility of a medical event, impairment, or other factors.
The location has a history of similar accidents. In 2013, two hikers died after their minivan drove off the same ramp into Pond Cove amid heavy fog. In 2005, Jason Alexander and his friends survived a comparable plunge, recalling, “There was a sign, about 40‑50 feet from the ramp that reads ‘Road ends in water,’ however, that sign is hidden by overgrown bushes,” he told the Bangor Daily News.
Community members have rallied to support the Grubb family. Jennifer Sargent, who operates a child‑care center in Southwest Harbor that both children attended, announced a basketball scholarship in Sawyer’s memory, noting the children were “absolute best friends.” She described how Kinsley would always bring Sawyer along in her play and how the younger child would seek him out when apart. “Every activity, every play session, every move (Kinsley) made she took Sawyer along with her, and if he wasn’t close, she’d seek him out,” Sargent posted on social media. She added, “Answering to other small children when they ask us where their best friends are this week will likely take us right out, but we will do our best.”
Erin Helget, owner of a nearby thrift shop, expressed the community’s sorrow: “We had the privilege of attending their wedding just days ago, which makes the news of this tragedy feel especially difficult to put into words.” POP Thrift in Bernard pledged to donate all proceeds from Wednesday to the family, underscoring the collective outpouring of grief and support.
The investigation continues, with authorities promising a thorough examination of the circumstances surrounding the crash. As the community mourns the loss of Bukulmez and her grandchildren, local businesses and residents remain committed to assisting the bereaved family during this difficult time.
