CHESTERVILLE – Benjamin Jacob Paytas, 19, of West Farmington, died unexpectedly as the result of injuries sustained in an accidental fall at Sand Pond in Chesterville Wednesday evening, May 26.

He was born Sept. 13, 1984, in Pittsburgh, Pa., a son of Paul Paytas Jr. and Colleen (Grubbs) Andrews. He received his education in local schools and was a 2003 graduate of Mt. Blue High School. While at Mt. Blue, he played on the Varisty Baseball Team. At the time of his death, he was continuing his education at the University of Maine, Farmington.

“Ben” is described by his family as an active, gregarious, outgoing person who loved people and always watched out for the underdog. He was an organizer, a peacekeeper and an inspiration to his younger brother, always helping him to strive to be his best, particularly in his athletic endeavors.

In addition to his love of baseball, he enjoyed football, basketball and was an avid Red Sox fan. According to his mom, “Ben lived life 110 percent!”

He is survived by his mother and stepfather, Colleen and Don Andrews of West Farmington; his father, Paul Paytas Jr., of Harmony, Pa.; two brothers, Paul Paytas III of Caribou and Noah Paytas of West Farmington; his maternal grandmother, Marjorie Grubbs of West Farmington; maternal grandfather, Earl Grubbs of Saegertown, Pa.; paternal grandmother, Betty Paytas of Pittsburgh, Pa.; paternal stepgrandmother, Helen Andrews of Cambridge Springs, Pa.; several aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.