According to Biddeford Police Chief JoAnne W. Fisk, an 18-year veteran of the Biddeford Police Department died in a crash on the Piscataqua River Bridge early Thursday morning while returning home from work.
The Biddeford police Sgt. Jacob Wolterbeek, 41, of Portsmouth, New Hampshire, was named as the victim of the deadly event on the high-level Interstate 95 bridge. According to Fisk, the collision happened around 1:14 a.m. on the Maine side of the bridge when Wolterbeek, a father of three small children, was heading home from his job in Biddeford.
“Sergeant Wolterbeek was a respected member of the Biddeford Police Department and a valued City employee,” Fisk said in a statement issued Thursday morning. “During this difficult moment, our thoughts and prayers go out to Sergeant Wolterbeek’s family, friends, and coworkers. We send our heartfelt condolences and complete support to them during this difficult time. We ask that the community join us in remembering Sergeant Wolterbeek’s memory and service.”
Maine State Police are still looking into the crash. Wolterbeek’s death was reported Thursday morning by state authorities.
According to preliminary findings, a box truck on the Maine side of the bridge was halted in traffic when a Toyota Camry driven by Wolterbeek collided with it. According to officials, Wolterbeek was pronounced dead at the spot.
According to Shannon Moss, a spokesperson for Maine State Police, traffic was backed up due to a nearby accident, which New Hampshire State Police were investigating. The reason of the tragic Maine Turnpike high-level bridge crash is still being investigated.
The southbound lanes of the bridge were closed for several hours following the two-car crash, but they have since reopened, according to Maine State Police.
“City employees join the Biddeford Police Department as they mourn the end of watch for Sergeant Wolterbeek,” she said.
Wolterbeek’s body was delivered Thursday morning to the state Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, prompting officials around the state to pay their respects by lining up on streets during the honorable transfer of remains, according to Moss.
