ORLAND, Maine — A 52-year-old Orland man was killed Sunday afternoon while operating his personal watercraft on Toddy Pond.
Ross Staples of Orland was running his Kawasaki Jet Ski across Toddy Pond at 3:20 p.m. Sunday, but fell off his machine while traveling from the boat launch to a beach. Witnesses told game wardens from the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife that Staples, who was not wearing a life jacket, got back on and continued onward, but fell off again about 50 feet from shore and struggled to get back on the Jet Ski.
According to DIF&W, witnesses called 911, jumped into the water and eventually pulled Staples to shore. They then performed CPR on him before he was transported by boat to rescue personnel, who attempted to revive him without success. Staples was pronounced dead at the scene.
DIF&W public relations representative Caroline Hailey said it was unknown whether alcohol was a factor in the accident, or whether Staples was alone or with any friends or family at the time of the accident.
The incident is under investigation by the Maine Warden Service.
I wonder if he was suffering from a medical problem that caused him to fall off the 1st time? So sad
Thats what I’m thinking as well. Certainly sounds like thats the case.
What do you mean? Fall off and just stay in the water? Sounds like he fell and then got back on and was heading towards shore and fell again. Doesnt sound like he fell and then continued on sounds like he was trying to get to shore. And I dont know if you know Toddy Pond or not but I am quite sure that section isnt very large shore to shore. Also yes he should of had a life jacket! RIP
Jamee it sounds like w4vr must have been talking out his backside because his mouth knew better. I went to school with Ross and he was a great guy. So God Bless him and and his love of his life Michelle, and family. RIP ROSS God Bless
kinda like people should wear helmets while riding a motorcycle . people make there choices and take the risks. its part of life. these things will happen laws dont stop people from doing what they want to do. R.I.P. I will never understand maine ,you gotta wear a seat belt, you gotta wear a life jacket, kids have to be in a car seat but you can ride a motorcycle without a helmet. but in all reality people are gonna do what they wanna do. law or no law
That a SICK comment to make. He should have learned his lesson the after falling the first time.I would say a pretty heartless comment.
sounds like he was suffering from some medical problems
RIP Uncle Ross. You will always be missed and loved.
Obviously you don’t have family members or friends that have ever been in an “accident”. I know Ross, and he is a friend of mine. I also know some of his family that would NOT apprieciate this heartless comment you posted. I don’t care if you worked for the Coast Guard or what, by the looks you might want to go back to school and learn some manners. And he wasn’t in the ‘sea’, he was at a LAKE, Mr. Coast Guard, there IS difference. Ross DOES have family, so please keep your ignorant and heartless comments to yourself.
Maine boating laws require anyone operating or riding on a personal watercraft (jet-ski, etc.) must wear a
Type I or II PFD. It is indeed unfortunate that he lost his life, but sometimes people do things to encourage loss of life. If you are as smart and compassionate as you claim to be you should have told your friend to wear a PFD. I see people in canoes all the time with a life vest sitting in the bottom of the canoe; if you tip over you don’t have time to even grab that life vest.
Whoa. What do you mean, “If you are as smart…” If you were smart, you’d read the article before
sharing your mean-spirited advice.
Guess you missed this part, “or whether Staples was alone or with any friends or family at the time.”
I don’t even know the man, but right off I felt bad for this loss. You, on the other hand, probably won’t be missed at all because Maine sure could use fewer of your type.
You could probably use your experience and teach others many positive safety precautions, but you choose to write about it in such a negative way when someone has died? Show some compassion.
Very well put!
Ross did have medical issues. It was a heart attack, as he has been having problems for quite some time with his heart. He was with some of his family when this happened. As far as alcohol, no he wasn’t drinking. As far as the life jacket, that was HIS choice on whether to wear it or not. So before people try to make any issues out of it, they should think of what his family is going through.
Cindy you can say think before you type but no one listens on here. This was a horrible accident may he rest in peace!
Thanks Jaymee
Life jackets are NOT a choice on a jet-ski (a.k.a. Personal Water Craft):
http://www.boat-ed.com/maine/handbook/book.html?page=45
What I meant was that he decided not to wear a life jacket at the time, whether it’s the law or not.
Cindy Pelletier11 hours agoPublicFriendsOnly MeCustomClose FriendsBucksport High SchoolSee all lists…FamilyAcquaintancesGo Back
I am very sorry to say that a really good man has passed away at Toddy Pond in Orland today. Ross Staples was a kind, caring, and loving man. He passed away while riding on a jet ski. Those who were with him took him by boat to the boat landing, while doing CPR on him, but was unable to revive him. They all did their very best to try to bring him back, but with his heart issues, they couldn’t. My prayers go out to all that were there, and Michelle, the love of his life, and his family and friends. He will be missed, and never forgotten. RIP Ross.
Cindy Pelletier11 hours agoPublicFriendsOnly MeCustomClose FriendsBucksport High SchoolSee all lists…FamilyAcquaintancesGo BackI am very sorry to say that a really good man has passed away at Toddy Pond in Orland today. Ross Staples was a kind, caring, and loving man. He passed away while riding on a jet ski. Those who were with him took him by boat to the boat landing, while doing CPR on him, but was unable to revive him. They all did their very best to try to bring him back, but with his heart issues, they couldn’t. My prayers go out to all that were there, and Michelle, the love of his life, and his family and friends. He will be missed, and never forgotten. RIP Ross.FlagEdit ReplyCindy Pelletier 2 minutes agoRoss did have medical issues. It was a heart attack, as he has been having problems for quite some time with his heart. He was with some of his family when this happened. As far as alcohol, no he wasn’t drinking. As far as the life jacket, that was HIS choice on whether to wear it or not. So before people try to make any issues out of it, they should think of what his family is going through.
Cindy Pelletier11 hours agoPublicFriendsOnly MeCustomClose FriendsBucksport High SchoolSee all lists…FamilyAcquaintancesGo BackI am very sorry to say that a really good man has passed away at Toddy Pond in Orland today. Ross Staples was a kind, caring, and loving man. He passed away while riding on a jet ski. Those who were with him took him by boat to the boat landing, while doing CPR on him, but was unable to revive him. They all did their very best to try to bring him back, but with his heart issues, they couldn’t. My prayers go out to all that were there, and Michelle, the love of his life, and his family and friends. He will be missed, and never forgotten. RIP Ross.FlagEdit ReplyCindy Pelletier 2 minutes agoRoss did have medical issues. It was a heart attack, as he has been having problems for quite some time with his heart. He was with some of his family when this happened. As far as alcohol, no he wasn’t drinking. As far as the life jacket, that was HIS choice on whether to wear it or not. So before people try to make any issues out of it, they should think of what his family is going through.FlagEdit ReplyCindy Pelletier 12 minutes agoCindy Pelletier11 hours agoPublicFriendsOnly MeCustomClose FriendsBucksport High SchoolSee all lists…FamilyAcquaintancesGo BackI am very sorry to say that a really good man has passed away at Toddy Pond in Orland today. Ross Staples was a kind, caring, and loving man. He passed away while riding on a jet ski. Those who were with him took him by boat to the boat landing, while doing CPR on him, but was unable to revive him. They all did their very best to try to bring him back, but with his heart issues, they couldn’t. My prayers go out to all that were there, and Michelle, the love of his life, and his family and friends. He will be missed, and never forgotten. RIP Ross.
Such a sad event. It only takes a moment to change our lives forever. Prayers to his family.
BDN-please stop mentioning alcohol in these stories-PERIOD. It’s very disrespectful to the family.If it’s unknown-wait until it is known. Rest in peace Mr. Staples.
They always say that alcohol may of been involved. I believe that that information comes from the police. On every story on the news dont you hear them say that they are unsure if alcohol was involved or not? I do weather it was or not they will report it after conformation.
If the plolice have to mention the possibilty of liquor being involved in every tradgedy-why not mention 1000 other causes. A house can catch on fire due to alcohol use or lightening can strike. They should only report a cause when they actually know for sure.
The description sounds very strange. I feel like something is missing from the story.
Strange or not, that’s how it happened. I talked to all that were there.
If Mr. Staples died as a result of a preexisting cardiac condition, then a PFD likely would have been of little use. My condolences to his family and friends. Kudos to all who stepped up and tried to help.