MSP Investigating Fatal Crash in Ellsworth

On Wednesday, September 4, 2024, at approximately 7:36 PM, Trooper Ryan Murry was parked, in his marked State Police cruiser, off the road in a gravel turnout off Route 180 in Ellsworth when his cruiser was stuck by a vehicle. The initial investigation indicates that 43-year-old Jonathan Wood of Winter Harbor was traveling south on Route 180 in a 2008 Toyota Sienna when his vehicle crossed the roadway and then traveled into the dirt turnout striking Trooper Murry’s cruiser. Wood’s van rolled over and he was ejected from the vehicle. Wood was not wearing a seatbelt and died at the scene from his injuries. Trooper Murry sustained minor injuries and was treated and released from a local hospital. Ellsworth PD and Ellsworth Fire and Ambulance responded to assist. A State Police crash scene reconstructionist responded to examine the scene. The cause of the crash remains under investigation.