Messalonskee Strong: Community Supports Familes Involved in Tragic Hayride Accident

Investigators are blaming a mechanical problem for the Halloween-themed hayride crash Saturday night (Oct. 11) in Mechanic Falls that killed 17-year-old Cassidy Charette of Oakland and injured many others. The state fire marshal’s office says investigators are trying to figure out exactly why the Jeep towing the hay wagon wouldn’t or couldn’t stop, going down a hill in the woods and struck a tree.

Cassidy Charette, from Messalonkee High School was with a group of friends who travel to the farm in Mechanic Falls every autumn. Her boyfriend, 16-year-old Connor Garland, alson a Messalonskee student, is reported to be seriously injured.

Messalonskee High School in Oakland will be open today and counselors will be available from 9 a.m. to noon and from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the school library. Mental health professionals will also be available to students throughout the week

A facebook page and gofundme site has been set up to support the Garland Family.

A Red Barn, Augusta fundraiser was already planned for tonight to support Cassidy's junior class Project Graduation and will still be on.

'Messalonskee Strong' Shirts are also being sold with profits going to a scholarship fund in the name of Cassidy Charette.