AI-generated illustration; not a photograph of the reported event.
- calendar_today September 22, 2026
A heartbreaking vehicle submerged incident off the coast of Roque Bluffs has reverberated throughout the Northwest USA, renewing calls for improved road safety measures in the region. Authorities confirmed the deaths of Sharon Bukulmez, 61, and her two young grandchildren after their vehicle was found submerged near the Schoppee Point boat ramp, drawing a somber response from local residents and officials alike.
Discovery at Schoppee Point
The family was reported missing after departing a wedding in Jonesboro, with plans to travel to Machias. Following an intensive search effort, Maine State Police traced cellphone records to locate the vehicle at Schoppee Point in Roque Bluffs. Rescue teams responded swiftly, but all occupants were found deceased inside the vehicle.
Honoring Sharon Bukulmez and Her Grandchildren
Sharon Bukulmez, a dedicated healthcare worker at Mount Desert Island Hospital, was commemorated by colleagues and loved ones as a compassionate individual always willing to assist others. Her two grandchildren, described as joyful and beloved by their community, leave behind a legacy of happiness that touched many in the Northwest USA. Peter Grubb, Bukulmez’s son and the children’s father, shared that his mother died in the act of child rescue, attempting to save her grandchildren in the moments before their passing.
Investigation and Community Response
The family tragedy is currently under investigation by the Maine State Police. The Office of Chief Medical Examiner will determine the official causes of death. Meanwhile, officials stress the importance of learning from such incidents to prevent further heartbreak within the region.
Safety Concerns at Roque Bluffs
This is not the first fatal accident at the Schoppee Point boat ramp. The area was previously the site of another fatal accident in 2013, raising ongoing concerns about road safety and the need for preventive measures. Community members and lawmakers, including State Representative Tiffany Strout, have voiced support for additional safety improvements at the site. Strout affirmed her willingness to collaborate with local and transportation authorities, emphasizing that improvements such as new warning signs could help avert future tragedies.
Mount Desert Connections and Regional Impact
The effects of this incident extend well beyond Roque Bluffs, deeply affecting institutions like Mount Desert Island Hospital, where Bukulmez was known for her dedication to patient care. Communities throughout the Northwest USA are united in mourning and reflection, considering steps to enhance the safety of drivers and pedestrians at vulnerable sites like Schoppee Point.
Path Forward: Safety Measures and Community Healing
In the wake of this devastating event, the focus now turns to implementing effective safety improvements that address the risks at Roque Bluffs. As discussions continue between local residents, officials, and transportation agencies, the hope is that lessons learned from this tragedy will save lives in the future and offer some solace to those grieving in the Northwest USA region.
