Warden Joshua Tibbetts Plane Accident: In Loving Memory of Game Warden Joshua Tibbetts – A somber cloud has fallen over the Maine Warden Service and communities across the state after a tragic plane crash claimed the life of a dedicated public servant on Tuesday morning in the remote town of Avon, Franklin County.
Authorities confirmed that 18-year veteran Maine Game Warden Joshua Tibbetts of New Gloucester was killed when the small aircraft he was piloting went down in a heavily wooded area on the west side of Schoolhouse Pond. He was the only person on board. Officials say he was pronounced dead at the scene.
The crash occurred around 11 a.m., during what was initially believed to be a routine flight. Warden Tibbetts was reportedly in the area assisting with ground operations involving the restocking of several ponds with fish when the tragedy unfolded.
A Sudden and Unexplained Loss
Investigators have stated that there was no distress call or communication from the aircraft prior to the crash, leaving the exact cause unknown at this time. The aircraft’s emergency locator system did activate upon impact, alerting dispatchers and guiding responders to the remote crash site.
“The planes do have an automatic signal if they’re involved in a crash, and that system did work, and that’s what notified the dispatch center,” said Maine Warden Service Colonel Dan Scott.
Despite the swift response, Warden Tibbetts died at the scene. His body was later transported to the Maine State Medical Examiner’s Office in Augusta for further examination.
The crash site, located in dense woodland near Schoolhouse Pond, remained active for hours Tuesday as dozens of game wardens, law enforcement officers, and emergency personnel carefully worked the area. The Maine State Police and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are now leading a full investigation, with the site expected to remain secured as evidence is collected and reviewed.
A Life of Service and Dedication
Joshua Tibbetts was not only a pilot but a deeply respected Maine Game Warden with nearly two decades of service. Over the course of his 18-year career, he built a reputation for commitment, professionalism, and a steady presence in some of Maine’s most challenging environments.
He had earned his commercial pilot’s license in 2020, adding aviation to his already demanding role in wildlife enforcement and conservation support. His work often placed him in remote and rugged areas of the state, where game wardens play a critical role in protecting natural resources and assisting in field operations.
At the time of the crash, he was performing duties that reflected that same dedication—supporting efforts to restock ponds, a task that helps sustain Maine’s aquatic ecosystems and fishing resources.
A Loss Felt Across Maine
The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife expressed profound grief over the loss.
“This is a devastating loss for the Maine Warden Service, our Department, and the people of Maine. Our thoughts are with the family, loved ones, colleagues, and all those impacted by this tragedy,” the department said in a statement.
Dozens of fellow wardens arrived at the crash site Tuesday, many of them visibly shaken by the loss of a colleague they considered family. The tight-knit nature of the Warden Service made the tragedy especially painful, as many had worked alongside Tibbetts in the field for years.
