A Mount Desert Island woman is facing manslaughter and other felony charges as a result of a head-on car crash last summer that killed a Bar Harbor man.
Susan Edson, 70, of Bass Harbor, was driving a 2016 Toyota Prius south on Route 102 near Echo Lake at around 2:30 p.m. on Aug. 13, 2019, when it crossed the centerline and struck a northbound Honda Insight head-on. The driver of the Honda, Edward Wells, 72, died at the crash scene.
Edson did not suffer life-threatening injuries in the collision. A third vehicle traveling behind her also was involved in the incident, swerving to avoid the collision and crashing into trees by the side of the road. The two people in that vehicle suffered serious injuries, police said at the time.
Edson has been charged with manslaughter, reckless conduct with a dangerous weapon and aggravated driving to endanger, according to documents filed in court in Ellsworth. She is scheduled to appear in court in Ellsworth on the charges on April 16, according to the court clerk’s office.
Edson’s defense attorney, Walter McKee of Augusta, said Friday that he was “shocked” to hear Edson was facing such charges. He said the collision occurred after his client fell asleep at the wheel, but that she had not felt tired or been sleep deprived.
“This was a complete accident,” McKee said. “This was completely out of the blue. She is devastated.”
Attempts Friday to contact Matthew Foster, district attorney for Hancock County, were unsuccessful.
With the manslaughter charge, Edson could face up to 30 years in prison and a fine of up to $50,000 if she is convicted. A conviction on either of the other two charges could result in an additional sentence of up to five years in prison and a $5,000 fine.
According to Wells’ obituary, he was a surveyor for Bass Harbor Marine and played violin for various groups and organizations in eastern Maine. He also was a volunteer for Doctors Without Borders, having served for the health organization in the Congo, South Sudan and Central African Republic.
