Local News

Joshua Tibbetts, 50, served as Game Warden for 18 years, including the last three as a pilot for Maine Warden Service.

A Maine Game Warden died Tuesday during a fish air-dropping operation when his aircraft crashed in Avon, Maine, authorities announced. 

The incident took place around 11 a.m. near Schoolhouse Pond, the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife shared in a Facebook post. 

In a subsequent Facebook post Wednesday, authorities identified the pilot as 50-year-old Joshua Tibbetts. 

Tibbetts, who was also a father, served as a Game Warden for 18 years, including the last three as a pilot for Maine Warden Service. His role in aviation was vital to public safety and state conservation efforts, supporting law enforcement, fisheries and wildlife conservation, and search and rescue missions, according to the Facebook post. 

At a press conference Wednesday, Maine Warden Service Colonel Dan Scott said Tibbetts was on a solo mission — which he noted is typical practice for such operations — when he was assisting the Bureau of Fisheries by stocking fish in various lakes and ponds throughout western Maine. 

There were no known distress signals transmitted prior to the incident, according to Scott. The Maine Warden Service first learned of the crash through an automated signal, a feature equipped on all their aircraft to activate upon impact, he added. 

Tim Peabody, acting commissioner for Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife, said officials are not aware of a mechanical failure or a medical emergency involving the pilot leading up to the crash. 

The Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board will conduct an investigation into the aircraft and the circumstances surrounding the crash, according to Scott. 

“We often say that members of the state law enforcement put their lives on the line each day, and that is never more evident than today,” Peabody said. “This is a day we hope will never happen.” 

Tibbetts’ remains are at the medical examiner’s office in Augusta, Maine Gov. Janet Mills said at the press conference. 

“Knowing the dangers of the job does not prepare you for the immeasurable pain of the sudden loss of a friend on duty,” she said. “I ask all Maine people to hold the Warden Service in our hearts as we all grieve the loss of their colleague.” 

Expressing his condolences, state Sen. Joe Baldacci, who chairs the Committee on Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, shared a message on Instagram. He described himself as “heartbroken” and emphasized “how hard Wardens work” to ensure safety across the state’s wilderness and waterways.

“This is a devastating loss to the Warden community and our state as a whole,” he said. “My thoughts are with the Warden’s family, friends, and colleagues.”