A Maine mother’s life has been shattered by unimaginable loss. Mollie Egold survived a horrific hit-and-run that killed her twin sons, years after losing another son in a canoeing accident. Now, she’s battling severe injuries and grief, leaning on her community for strength.
A Devastating Hit-and-Run
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Mollie Egold was pushing her 2-year-old twins, Bradley and Noah, in a stroller when a vehicle struck them. The crash happened on a quiet Maine road, leaving Bradley dead at the scene and Noah passing later in the hospital. Mollie, critically injured, was rushed to medical care. The driver fled, turning a routine walk into a tragedy that stunned the small town of Lisbon.
Police identified the suspect as Benjamin Lancaster, 44, who was later arrested. He faces charges of driving under the influence causing death, serious bodily injury, and leaving the scene of a fatal accident. Lancaster hasn’t entered a plea, but the charges reflect the gravity of his alleged actions. For Mollie, the loss of her twins adds to a life already marked by heartbreak.
A History of Heartache
This wasn’t Mollie’s first encounter with loss. Eight years earlier, her 5-year-old son, William, died in a canoeing accident when the boat he was in went over a waterfall. The tragedy left Mollie and her family grappling with grief, yet they carried on, welcoming the twins and raising her surviving 6-year-old son, Connor.
The hit-and-run has compounded that pain. Mollie suffered two broken hips, a broken leg, broken hands, and a piece of glass embedded in her spine. After two months in the hospital, she’s now home, walking under her own power but facing a long recovery. Her friend Martha Collins, who lives with Mollie and Connor, described the ordeal as a “brutal nightmare,” saying the family is struggling to process the loss.
A Mother’s Fight for Recovery
Mollie’s physical injuries are severe, but her emotional wounds run deeper. Martha told reporters that Mollie is holding up as well as can be expected, given the loss of her twins and her ongoing pain. Connor, just 6 years old, is finding it especially hard to cope. The family leans on each other, trying to make sense of a world turned upside down.
Despite her injuries, Mollie’s resilience shines through. She’s begun walking again, a small victory in a grueling recovery process. Community support has been vital, with friends and neighbors rallying around the family. A GoFundMe page has raised funds to help cover medical bills and funeral costs, offering a lifeline as Mollie rebuilds her life.
A Community Rallies Together
Lisbon, a close-knit Maine town, has come together to support Mollie and Connor. The community’s response has been heartfelt, with fundraisers and messages of love pouring in. Martha emphasized how much this support means, noting that Mollie and her boys were cherished by those around them. The town’s efforts are helping the family navigate both financial and emotional challenges.
The tragedy has also sparked conversations about road safety and accountability. Residents are calling for stricter measures to prevent hit-and-runs and protect pedestrians. The case against Lancaster is ongoing, with the community watching closely, hoping for justice for Bradley, Noah, and Mollie.
Looking Ahead with Hope
Mollie’s journey is far from over. Her physical recovery will take months, if not years, and the emotional toll of losing three sons is immeasurable. Yet, her strength and the support of her community offer glimmers of hope. Friends like Martha are committed to standing by her side, helping her and Connor face each day.
This heartbreaking story underscores the fragility of life and the power of community. Mollie’s resilience in the face of repeated tragedy inspires those around her, reminding us to hold loved ones close and advocate for safer streets. As she heals, the people of Lisbon will continue to lift her up, ensuring she and Connor don’t face this nightmare alone.
