Assistant Principal Dies in Fiery Crash After Allegedly Fleeing Police During Traffic Stop

An assistant high school principal was killed in a car crash in Maine after he allegedly fled from police during a traffic stop, authorities said.

The Maine State Police said that dispatchers received several 911 calls on Saturday, Sept. 13, around 9:30 p.m. local time, about a vehicle moving erratically on I-295 southbound, beginning around Mile Marker 45 in Richmond. 

Police added that troopers found the vehicle, a 2021 gray Jeep Wrangler, near Mile Marker 16 southbound in Yarmouth and initiated a traffic stop.

During the stop, the driver, identified as Jacob Brown, 34, of Scarborough, immediately fled at a high rate of speed, MSP stated, prompting troopers to chase after the Jeep Wrangler with emergency lights and sirens on. 

Authorities said that as the fleeing vehicle came into view, “it veered off the right side of the roadway, at Mile Marker 13 southbound in Cumberland, crashing into the woods and becoming engulfed in flames,” the department noted.

“Brown, who was not wearing a seatbelt, was ejected a short distance from the vehicle,” according to Maine State Police. “Troopers pulled Brown away from the fire and performed life-saving measures. He was pronounced deceased a short time later.”

Based on a preliminary investigation, authorities suspect that speed and alcohol were factors that contributed to the crash. The investigation is ongoing. 

Scarborough Public Schools superintendent Diane Nadeau shared with PEOPLE a letter she wrote to parents about Brown’s death. He began his career in Scarborough as a middle school teacher in 2014 and then became an assistant principal at Scarborough High School in 2020.

“Throughout his career, Jake left a lasting impression on all who had the privilege of working with him,” Nadeau wrote. “He had a natural gift for building meaningful relationships; his fun-loving spirit, warm smile, and steady presence lifted those around him. His impact extended far beyond our schools—he was a respected member of the Scarborough community, the Southern and Central Maine hockey community, and the Maine Principals’ Association through his volunteer work.”

“In every role, Jake exemplified commitment, compassion, and service. He consistently put the needs of others first, leaving a legacy of kindness and connection that will live on in the lives of the many students, staff, families, and community members he touched,” the superintendent added. 

Following the news of Brown’s death, the high school shared a letter with students and parents on Sunday, Sept. 14, announcing that no regular classes would be held on Monday, Sept. 15. However, the school would be open for students and staff who would like to seek counseling. 

“We will share details about memorial arrangements and other opportunities to honor Mr. Brown as they become available,” the letter stated. 

Brown was also a youth hockey coach, the Portland Press Herald noted.

“My heart just broke,” Norm Gagne, a former Scarborough hockey coach, told CBS affiliate WGME. “I really could not believe that this was happening.” 

Gagne added, “He was like a son and I loved him to death.”

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Jillian St. Louis, a family friend, called the incident “unbelievably tragic.”

“I’m sure there’s going to be a lot of judgment and a lot of thoughts imposed on what actually happened,” St. Louis told ABC affiliate WMTW. “Will we truly ever know? I’m not sure. But at the end of the day, a really great life was lost and I think that’s where the focus needs to be.”