Bucksport man killed in Penobscot car crash

Speed and alcohol believed to be contributing factors, authorities say

March 23, 2026

By staff

PENOBSCOT–A Bucksport man died after his car went off the road in Penobscot, ejecting him from the vehicle in a crash on March 21.

The Hancock Regional Communications Center received a call reporting a crash involving a single vehicle on Front Ridge Road in Penobscot at approximately 7:46 pm, according to a press release from the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office.

The vehicle, a black 2003 Volkswagen Jetta, operated by Zachary McKechnie, 35, of Bucksport, was traveling northwest on Front Ridge Road in Penobscot towards Orland “when his vehicle left the roadway, came back onto the roadway, and rolled before coming to a rest,” the release said. McKechnie was ejected from the vehicle and died as a result of his injuries sustained in the crash. Speed and alcohol are believed to be contributing factors to the crash, the sheriff’s office said.

The primary investigating officer is Detective Dylan Hall. He was assisted on scene by Lieutenant Dakota Dupuis, Sergeant Travis Frost, Deputy Wyatt Lord, and Deputy Taylor Keeran. Fire departments from Blue Hill, Penobscot and Orland also responded to the crash.

The accident is being reconstructed by Sergeant Marcus Downes. The investigation is ongoing, the press release said.