WATERVILLE — Police on Monday identified the person struck and killed by a vehicle Sunday at a business on Main Street as Michelle Bruce, 38, of Madison.
Bruce was a wife, mother and beloved administrative assistant at Madison Elementary School, according to those who knew her.
School Administrative District 59 Superintendent Ryan Arnold reflected on the loss Monday.
“We are deeply saddened by the loss of a valued member of our school district family,” Arnold said in an email. “Our thoughts and condolences go out to the family, friends, and colleagues of the deceased. We will provide support and resources to our students and staff during this difficult time. We appreciate your respect for the family’s privacy during this period.”
Madison Elementary School posted on social media Sunday that all School Administrative District 59 schools would be closed Monday because of the loss:
“Madison Elementary will have counselors available for any students, staff, or community members needing support starting at 8 a.m. We plan to be open until 3 p.m. however, weather may impact that. Please feel free to call the school at 696-4607 if you want to make sure we are still there.”
Bruce was fueling her vehicle just before 11:20 a.m. at the Big Apple convenience store and Citgo station at 364 Main St. when the crash occurred, according to Waterville police.
The initial investigation indicates a blue Subaru operated by Richard Moyen, 70, of Strong was turning right onto Main Street from Waterville Commons Drive when it struck a black Cadillac operated by Kenneth Hughes, 57, of Waterville, who also was traveling east on Main, according to a news release issued Monday by Waterville police Maj. Jason Longley.
“After the initial collision, the Cadillac left the roadway striking a vehicle parked at the gas pump of The Big Apple Convenience Store,” his release says.
Bruce was pronounced dead at the scene.
Longley, the commander of support services for the police department, said the speed limit is 25 mph on that stretch of Main Street.
No one was in Bruce’s vehicle at the time of the crash and no one else was injured, he said.
Waterville police are still investigating the incident, he said. Maine State Police assisted at the scene to reconstruct the crash.
Waterville city officials announced on social media around 1:15 p.m. Sunday that Main Street was closed between Waterville Commons Drive and Armory Road as officials worked at the scene.
At the Big Apple store/Citgo station Monday, a gas pump on the west end of the lot remained encircled in yellow police tape as cars and trucks pulled in and out of the station.
The site is on a busy stretch of Main Street in front of Elm Plaza, where Hannaford, Renys and other businesses are located. Five Guys restaurant is located diagonally across Main Street from the Big Apple.
The entrances and exits to Waterville Commons Drive and Interstate 95 are just west of the site.
