TURNER, Maine — Nancy Steele of Turner, who owned the Ivy Cottage on Route 4, was found dead at that property Thursday morning. According to police, she is believed to have been killed when her riding tractor-style lawnmower rolled over on her.
According to a press release from the Androscoggin County Sheriff’s Department, that office received a call at 7:10 a.m. reporting that Steele’s body had been found at the business, which closed last year.
Steele, 58, had gone to the property to mow the lawn Wednesday evening and was last seen around 6:30 p.m. mowing in front of the business, police said.
She was supposed to babysit a relative Thursday morning and, when she didn’t show up, a member of her family went looking for her.
Steele had gone to the back of the business on the riding mower and had mowed up a steep hill, turned around and was traveling back down the hill, according to police. The lawn mower was found rolled over near the top of the hill and she was pinned under it.
The cause of death is pending a medical examiner’s review.
The accident scene was not visible from Route 4 and only barely visible from the driveway of the business, police said. The Wheel Horse mower she was using is not normally used to mow that part of the property, according to police, and investigators have not determined why she “chose to try to mow the steep slope with that lawnmower.”
Police are continuing the investigation. If you have information about this accident, you are asked to call Deputy Jon Guay at 753-2591.
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Oh my goodness she was there all night, how awful for her and her family. So sorry to hear about tragedy like this. I wish her family peace and condolences.
I’m so sorry to hear this. Love and prayers going out to family and friends.
This is such a tragic accident for this lady. Sympathy to her family
so sad….my deepest sympathy for her family and friends….may she rest in peace…..
Please use extra caution when mowing embankments. Slopes are dangerous whether on foot or tractor. One slip can cause a serious accident. Also, let someone know you are mowing. In the event something should happen, this one thing could save your life. So sorry for Nancy Steele and her family. My heart goes out to them in this time of loss.
Ive had my JD 3120 leaning almost ready to roll, it doesnt take much at all.
So sad and eye opening. My thoughts are with the family.
I am so sorry for Ms. Steele’s family. A few years ago, my father was pinned when his mower rolled on top of him. Luckily, my mother was home and she (with the help of adrenaline no doubt) picked that thing up off of him and saved his life. He said it was immediately hard to breathe when the accident occurred, and that he maintained consciousness, but just barely.