A tragic incident in Van Buren has left the community mourning after 27-year-old Emma Cormier was fatally struck by an ambulance while crossing Main Street on Wednesday afternoon. Police confirmed the crash occurred near Kennedy Terrace, a busy area where residents frequently cross between neighborhoods and local businesses.
Authorities reported that the ambulance, driven by 46-year-old Amanda Skidgel, was not responding to an emergency at the time of the collision. Its sirens and lights were not active, and it was traveling under normal conditions when the accident occurred. Witnesses say Cormier had been crossing the street when the vehicle struck her, knocking her to the pavement with severe injuries.
Skidgel immediately stopped and, along with bystanders, rushed to aid Cormier. Emergency measures, including CPR, were performed at the roadside in a desperate attempt to save her life. Despite their efforts, Cormier succumbed to her injuries before she could be transported to the hospital.
The Van Buren Police Department has launched an investigation to determine the circumstances of the crash, including speed, visibility, and whether crosswalk signals were a factor. Officials stressed that, while the incident appears to be a tragic accident, a full review will be conducted to ensure accountability.
Cormier’s sudden death has left the town in shock, particularly because it involved a vehicle designed to save lives. Friends and family have begun placing flowers and candles near the crash site in her memory. Community members describe Emma as kindhearted and full of life, someone who had a bright future ahead.
As the investigation continues, local leaders are urging patience and compassion for both the Cormier family and the driver, who is said to be deeply shaken by the tragedy. The community now grieves a life lost far too soon in an accident heavy with painful irony.
