My condolences to the family. Sad and tragic.

So sad....if only our young kids realised the ramnifications of their actions...this was supposed to be a "fun" night...nothing "fun" with the after effects...deepest sympathies to family and friends...

Bummer

Outside Party?? It was 18 degrees with a hurling wind DUH!

My thoughts are with his family and friends....

Bebitte: how about the parents? Shouldn't we hold them at least 50% responsible? Or how about the person who supplied the alcohol? Teens' frontal lobes and decision making centers of the brain aren't fully developed yet. Which means, in layman's terms, that they literally do not have the ability to forsee consequences in the same way that adults do. (well, some adults anyways). Those parents and the person who sold them the booze ought to be feeling pretty guilty right now

I know no one wants to hear this but this is what happens when you come down on under age drinking. Young adults are always going to experiment with alcohol, but the the difference now is that they have to have their parties far out in the woods where they won't get busted. what happen to these kids is a tragedy, but I think you will see more of these parties being sucluded and secretive and farther from civilization.

Well there where only 6 people there, one of which got stabbed. It seems suspicious to me, one kid dead and another stabbed. I am hoping that there is further investigation into what "really" happened. I do know the family, and where it happened, and there is a lot to question about the circumstances. I find it intolerable that the police are dismissing this as a kid party gone wrong, and focusing on the alcohol, when there are so many other questions unanswered.

"kid party?" Really? Seems to me that if a person is old enough to get married, sign contracts, get a job in a coal mine, or out it the woods as a logger, old enough to fight and die for us in Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan and Haiti, then they are old enough to have a drink. The idea that it is easier for a 19-year-old to get methadone in Maine, than it is to get a bottle of Coffee Brandy is ludicrous. Drop the drinking age to 18, where it belongs, and let our young adults be fully part of our society. Historically "second class citizens" have always consumed more alcohol.

coexist --- 19 is ADULT. You can't hold the parents accountable for this. This person can enlist, vote, sign a contract, buy a house or car, get married and anything else a 45 year old person can do EXCEPT buy alcohol.

Keenov, I totally agree with you and have been saying it for years. They go to remote locations where they end up driving drunk just to get out of the woods, they go near water where they are at risk to drown, and they go outside in freezing temperatures. The other question is in the definition of underage party, if all these "kids" were between the ages of 18 and 21, noone is responsible for them. They are independent. They can make their own decisions to do anything BUT drink. Why would one question the parents of a 19 year old who was out drinking, the person could have been self sufficient and making their own choices for a year. I know I was. They would all probably be alive if they could've gotten to Canada to party.

We use to goto camp for the weekend.......

We stayed on the dirt roads and off the public roads...

Anyone from Wash Cty knows you can stay off the paved roads for days with out being seen.

These outdoor parties are not anything new, we used to go to the gravel pits and drink we usually would have a fire going, We called them Pit Parties! all year long. You just need to be dressed for the weather. This was in the early 90's so they are nothing new, I am sure they probably even did this in the 80's, Only thing now is you need to worry about the 9 and 12 year olds with the guns shooting them off in the gravel pits

I forgot to say that my deepest sympathies go out to the family of the 19 year old who passed away!

tysmom I hope you were kidding about the 80's, this has gone on since 0001 B.C.

Alcohol lowers your body temperture so you have a chance of freezing to death quicker.

Feel sad for this kid.

Although no one wants to admit it, the alcohol did not directly harm the person, it was an action by a group of "adults", the police are simply looking to blame alcohol and make it an example. I am sadened by this and my thoughts out to the family.

stop blaming the parents! we do ALL we can to protect our kids, but we can't keep them under lock and key forever. i wish we could, but we cant. look at the things we did as youths, i know i would never want my child to do, all i can do is educate him on the dangers of life. i feel so sorry for this family, my condolences and prayers are with them at the difficult, life changing tragedy.

Get a grip-Many parents DO NOT do all they can-If you honestly believe that I have some real estate for you..

most NORMAL parents do...this young man could of had great parents, just made bad choices.

“Troopers said he likely died from exposure to the freezing temperature,”

So it is odd that they feel this man died from the cold YET the media...we won't mention BDN, or the Troopers just have to make it a point he was involved with an underage drinking party, for all we know his Birthday was next week and they have to make the people look worse then they already do. Sure underage drinking is underage drinking, but if the man technically died from the cold, so he might have been intoxicated and not aware, it happens to people when they get drinking. Now the focus is on the underage drinking and then they will waste more money trying to find someone to blame for the death.

Sounds like another case of bullying gone awry. When are people going to recognize the signs and stop their young or OLD children from preying upon others? No matter what your age I think it is important for all of us to treat each other with consideration. It sounds like this was a young kid trying to fit in and he was totally taken advantage of. I hope the cops , or somebody, gets justice for this guy. Condolences to the family and we are keeping you in our prayers.

Condolences to the family. I hope they find out what REALLY happened! I don't think this guy just wandered off all on his own. I hope someone at this party speaks up and tells the truth about what happened here and whoever is responsible pays!

Scintillate- I was being sarcastic, I know it has been going on forever! The only thing about those pit parties now are those punks (9-12) shooting things up( again sarcasim). My condolences go out to the family of this kid who was found, If somebody does know something, it would be in their best intrest to speak up, I never remember anyone ever just wandering off at any of our parties, we were usually in groups of at least 2!

This is a very sad story! My condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Britt. When I was a teenager growing up in the late 70's and early 80's it was easy to obtain alcohol and beer. That meant that we were able to handle ourselves at an earlier age than kids are today. I'm not saying it was right, but it was different. I have been a door staff person and bartender at a busy bar where college kids hang out. I am really surprised at how inexperienced these young adults are with handling their liquor. I always had fun when I was that age but it seeed that people were a little more mature acting in those days. At least that's how I recall it. IMO the drinking age should be LOWERED to 20 again as it was then. This keeps people out of gravel pits and the freezing temps in order to hide from the police.

Steve- We were not in the gravel pits hiding from police, this was out in the country we were there for fun, we always had a fire going, we did not do it in the dead of winter when it was -20, the police knew we were there but back then it was not a big deal like it is now, if they did show up they just told us to go home, that was it. No one got stabbed or arrested if you were to drunk to drive you found a ride with a sober driver or the police took you home to our parents house or to your friends house. Much more laid back back then, and it was not even that long ago (early 90's) things were so much better back then, I would not want to be a teenager now a days!

very sad....all I can say is alcohol claimed another young adult.

I graduated in the mid 70's and at that time 18 year olds could legally drink. We had our Senior Ball and Banquet poolside at a local hotel with a portable bar. Sure the bar was not brought in until after the meal and the chaperons were gone, but no one got drunk and there were no incidents. If the State of Maine would lower the age limit and educate the young people, you wouldn't have as many of these problems. They are old enough to vote, go to war........but can't drink. Come on where is the common sense!!!!

The map is wrong. Horse Farm Road is a couple of miles down off the Oak Point Road. I have heard this is an area that is known for drugs. I have met some people that live on the road, and some seem very respectful, and others are definatley on some heavy drugs. Tragic loss either way. I would like to know why this became the party area, and if there was more then alcohol being distributed.

tysmom-you are right! It was better in those days. We had those types of parties too and we always had a blast! Today the cops are helid to such a high legal standard that there is NO judgement or give and take. It's "if we catch ya we got to bust ya" now. Our society is so quick to blame someone these days that a lawsuit would surely be filed if the police were to be the way they were back then. My point is a lower drinking age should be considered. I would rather have my kids driniking legally and responsibly at age 19 or 20 than illegally and irresposibly at that age.

Even though I was a legal age to drink we used to go into the woods and party. We couldn't afford to drink in the bars. I agree with most of you they should lower the drinking. If you can vote, get married, and go to war than you should be able to drink.

to the parents of this young man, i,m so sorry for your loss, i know your heart is breaking, to the person or persons who bought these kids booze, you know who you are, and now you have to live with it. i hope not a day goes by, that you dont think about ben, and what you,ve done to his family. so very sad.

and heres one for ya mytwocents, keep your opinions to yourself, your insensitivity on this matter shows your age!!!!

Pit Parties are a fond memory for me in the 50`s and 60`s and underage drinking was always a part of it.

The Germans have it right. Kids learn how to drink at a very young age.

Prohibition does NOT work and never will.

Gods Speed to Family and Friends of ALL.

Regardless of all the speculation, a young life was lost.

Sincere condolences to his family and friends

Parents, responsible for this come on coexist. He was 20 years old, he could vote and go to war for his country.

You, coexist, should feel guilty about your comments. As for the person who bought the booze, does it matter if they were of age or not? What if they were a minor and was able to buy because someone thought they were old enough?

I don't think the police have dismissed anything in this case yet.

This is a sad story and commentary on our society from many of the posters. This is both accepted and encouraged behavior, a rite of passage. When will we learn? This rite of passage has created a very mournful Christmas for all involved. Moderation is such a foreign concept to us...

DON'T DRINK! It really is possible to live a good, happy life with NO alcohol!

There is more than enough blame to go around here. I see people pointing fingers in every direction. Blame the kids for ignoring the law, blame the person who bought the alcohol for breaking the law, blame the homeowner for allowing it to happen, blame the parents for not knowing where there son was at 3:30am.. . Blame the rest of the teens for not taking care of their friend. The bottom line is that the young man is dead. A mother and father have lost a son, the siblings have lost a brother. It is a terrible thing. There is now an empty spot in the hearts of everyone who knew this young man.

Ok all of you that are bickering over this need to stop. I personally knew ben. i am 17 years old. one of the kids that were with them are my ex boyfriends. THis is a very tragic event for all. Bens last status on Facebook was that he was going out camping with his friends. Harmless, until something bad happens which has taken place. Bens parents had nothing to do with this. They let there 20 year old son go out and have a good time with his friends, yes maybe it was a bad idea that he go out camping in the winter time but no one had planned on killing ben. He froze to death. The full story isnt out. it never will be. Only the people that were there will actually know whos fault it was and what has taken place. Ben was stranded in the woods, in freezing temps. He was lost. Thats not anyones fault. The drinking had alot to do with it. Im one of the only ones that dont drink im my entire school. But i can honestly say that ben was not meant to be killed, it was an accident. There are many blames you can put this on, but its not the parents. They didnt supply that alcohol. Many people miss ben extremly. So i suggest you stop blaming people and actually write something useful like many memories for ben to be remembered. Or all strength goes to bens parents and friends. Not its the parents fault or no its the kids fault. ok...

So therefore, Many memories of ben to remember and All strength and care for bens parent and friends. R.I.P. Ben.

While my heart breaks for Benjamin's family and friends, and for what Benjamin must have gone through in his last moments, I am becoming more and more frustrated with the problems caused when young people overdrink. In theory, if kids are old enough to drive, vote and go to war, they should be able to handle a drink. In reality, most of them can't. In an ideal world, before anybody of any age should be allowed to drink (or drive, vote and go to war), they should have a good amount of common sense and realize there are consequences, and the consequences are not usually good, fun or pretty. Nor is being drunk a defense or excuse.

Alot of these kids are drinking for different reasons. We used to drink for alittle "buzz". Now alot of these kids drink to drown their sorrows. These kids have role models who can teach them how to drink responsibily. Like MTV and all these reality shows. What these kids don't realize there are consequences to drinking too much and especially drinking with people you can't trust or are not responsible.

Went to countless pit parties as a teen, no one ever got violent, sure you had the occasional scuffle, and we had kids from all social groups there. We would have never let a friend wonder off in cold temps drunk. Then again we wouldn't have been outside on a night like that either... No one ever got stabbed.... This does not sound like a fun time to me???

fishinwidow: yes, legally 19 is adult but the BRAIN doesn't follow a society's arbitrary assignments of legalities and age. :) Adolescent brain development doesn't really "stop" until about 22-24. So there ya go.

gettingby: i didn't say the parents were the only ones who should be held responsible, please scroll up and read again. I said there should be a shared responsibility. The point is, the people were underage to drink. Their frontal lobes are literally not fully developed yet. As I just told fishinwidow, our biology doesn't magically follow the arbitrary laws of society. :)

As for all of your lovely and nonsensical "what ifs"... What's your point? Nice try, though. Most places are now required to card people who look under 40, so unless those kids look like they are about 50..... So yes, the method in which they acquired the booze is important. Without the booze, the kid would likely not have died.

It is a good idea to NOT tell the world you were there. It is a good idea to be silent about matters which might incriminate you. it is a good idea to remember that the internet is not a secure private place. Of course if you want to spend the next five to ten years in and out of court testifying about "what you knew" then by all means tell everyone everything.

Too bad people don't care as much for the living as they do for the dead!

coexist....even a two year-old eventually learns that if you put your hand on something hot they will get burned. These young adults have learn about consequences and responsibility. Sometimes it takes something like this to happen before they learn. Adults should not be providing liquor to minors. They are responsible too. Happens often though. This is the MTV generation...it's just gotten worse. Then you have some adults who are just as irresponsible.

firefly: yes, that's exactly what i was saying. both/all parties should be held responsible. and also the consequence of burning your hand is an immediate experience, thus an easy lesson to learn. drinking alcohol has no real immediate consequences in that same way. i know what you're saying, but it's a bit more complicated of an issue. but i am indeed saying the teens/young adults should also be held responsible.

Sad, my condolences to his family.

This place "The Farm" should have been investigated a long time ago! Now, maybe it will be.

What a sad and hard lesson to learn. God bless.

The one to blame is Ben himself.

He was a adult.

Too bad it happened.

The blame game does no good.

I was taught years ago that I was accountable for my own actions.

First off my Prayers are with the family.

CocoaNut I have to disagree with you on a few things. Todays society is WAY to overprotective in some cases. Everyone I know that grew up when the drinkin age was 18 are all very sucsesful. My theory is if you areold enough to die for this country, why not drink. Everyone says when you turn 18 you are an adult, yet they look down upon us when we try to make our own descisions about drinking.

I don't think this grieving family wants to read comments about who or what is to blame. They just lost a son, grandson, boyfriend, brother, uncle, cousin, friend... whatever his status was. Whether it would be alcohol induced, or weather, or poor choices....the finger should not be pointed at anyone. This was a tragic event, a life lost wayyy too young. What if this was a first time experience for him? Or what if he wasn't even drinking? Now, to not be a hypocrite, I do not know this guy or his family so who knows what the circumstances may be. What they need is positive support....my family and I send out our deepest condolences and sympathies to the family who lost this young man.

this is a result of all the drinking laws,they go into hiding to do it,,and as this case a very fatal one,,my kids were allowed a drink at the home when they got to the age they wanted to try drinking ,both are still alive and healthy and not alcoholics,kids are human ,they are most likely gonna try it ,id rather it be with someone responcible to over see thier safty

For those who argue over the drinking age in America, please check out the link below. If you don't sign up and spread the word, you should question where you really stand! The pendulum has swung too far folks...we can't protect everybody

http://www.chooseresponsibility.org/

Yep, this is sad. It is however consequence to an action. Consequences suck, but they will never go away. It is the eternal law of justice.

On 12/15/09 at 10:09 AM, HarryHSnyderIII wrote:

It is a good idea to NOT tell the world you were there. It is a good idea to be silent about matters which might incriminate you. it is a good idea to remember that the internet is not a secure private place. Of course if you want to spend the next five to ten years in and out of court testifying about "what you knew" then by all means tell everyone everything.

You got that right.

First I would just like to express my condolences to his family and those who were close, this is a devastating loss. Not just to his family and friends but to the community. Unfortunately MDI knows all to well what it is like to lose a young person.

After reading the comments I am incredibly distraught by the arguing that is going on. A young adult has died and all people are doing is bickering?! I guess I'm not any better now that I'm posting.... I guess I'm just fed up with who I assume are adults wasting their time on here. I feel that while this entire situation is sketchy and still under investigation it is best that the blame not be placed on anyone or anything. Personally, I don't think it any one thing but more a combination.

As for Alyssa, I think that you need a lesson on what to say on the internet. It took me 30 seconds to figure out who you were (I'm 75% sure). Not only did you manage to suggest that you know who supplied the alcohol but that you had an idea about the full story. Probably not a wise decision.

As for the drinking age I completely 100% to the depths of my bones feel that if this state poured HALF as much money into educating young people on the importance of knowing your limits with alcohol as they do into preventing underage drinking, people would find that kids aren't stupid they are just being kids and experimenting because they don't KNOW what their limits are! I currently attend college and I will admit that while I do drink I am responsible because my parents felt it was important for me to know my limits and the dangers of not knowing limits.

I think that EDUCATION and ACCEPTANCE of people's differences and qualities that make them unique are key to making this world, and our community around the state a better place.

Again, deepest condolences to Ben's family and friends. Sad to see another Islander go so young. The world truly is less fierce and fabulous without you.

Terrible ordeal for the family, my condolences to you.

Don't listen to the drive by vandals here. Just busybodies who like to snipe

People are right, the the drinking age being 21 makes young adults have to go out into the woods in the bitter cold to have a drink that they will have either no matter what the drinking age.

Some of the people there were 21 and this still happened. Maybe the drinking age should be 30? Dont have sex until you're 30? Dont work until you're 30?

Some of the people there were 21 and this still happened. Maybe the drinking age should be 30? Dont have sex until you're 30? Dont work until you're 30?

"yes, legally 19 is adult but the BRAIN doesn't follow a society's arbitrary assignments of legalities and age. :) Adolescent brain development doesn't really "stop" until about 22-24. So there ya go."

So don't allow them to vote, drive or enlist either.

You can't have it both ways.