Brian Kenealy Obituary, Death – Maine communities have been shaken by the news of Saturday’s horrible automobile incident in Castine, which killed four Maine Maritime Academy students and injured three more. The victims have been identified as 20-year-old Brian Kenealy of York, Maine, 21-year-old Chase Fossett of Gardiner, Maine, 22-year-old Luke Simpson of Rockport, Massachusetts, and 20-year-old Riley Ignacio-Cameron of Aquinnah, Massachusetts, according to an email from Maine Department of Public Safety spokesperson Shannon Moss. Those who knew the youngsters have paid heartfelt condolences and conveyed warm feelings online, and there has been an outpouring of love.
Chad Kempton, principal of Gardiner Area High School, Chase Fossett, a 2020 graduate. From the standpoint of a parent, the death of the students is a “unimaginable tragedy that some folks have to go through and endure,” according to Kempton. When asked to describe Chase, Kempton said, “He was fantastic, he actually was,” adding that he was liked by all and especially by his instructors. “[He was] a quiet, restrained young man who usually smiled and seemed to be in a good mood. He kept to himself, but he had a really solid set of pals… and I mean that sincerely.” Chase, according to Kempton, was a goal-oriented young man who was an honor student and athlete in high school, playing soccer and lacrosse.
“Many emotions will definitely be felt across our community with such a terrible loss,” York School District Superintendent Lou Goscinski said of Brian Kenealy’s “untimely passing,” who graduated from York High School in 2021. “What I can say is that we are horrified and grieved to learn of Brian Kenealy’s untimely death in a vehicle accident near Castine, Maine, a 2021 York High School alumnus. Brian was an outstanding student-athlete who was adored by his classmates, instructors, and coaches. He took his abilities to Maine Maritime Academy, where he excelled academically as well as on the soccer field. We are thinking and praying for Brian’s family and everyone who knew and loved him. Brian will be sorely missed. Counselors will be available to our students and school workers beginning next week and for as long as they are required to assist them in coping with the loss.”
