Fryeburg Officer Injured During River Rescue Dies From Injuries

Fryeburg, ME – The Fryeburg Police Officer who was injured while searching for a missing canoer has died. According to Fryeburg Police Chief Potvin 20-year-old Fryeburg officer Nathan Desjardins passed away on June 6^th at Central Maine Medical Center in Lewiston.

On May 27th Desjardins suffered intensive head trauma when he and another officer where thrown from their boat when it struck something in the water. The officers were headed to join the Maine Warden Service on a search for 38-year-old Jennifer Bousquet of South Berwick Maine, who had gone missing that day while canoeing. Bousquet’s body was recovered about 300-400 yards from where she was last seen on May 30th.

The Other injured officer Dale Stout was released from Central Maine Medical Center a few days after the accident.

In a press release sent out yesterday Chief Potvin said “In the course of a police officer’s responsibilities, they expose themselves to very real risks and dangers every day. Members of the Fryeburg Police Department are deeply saddened by the tragic death of our colleague. We offer our deepest and most heartfelt condolences to the family, fellow colleagues and friends of Nathan.”

The Chief continued saying “During this extremely difficult time of mourning the loss of one of my own, I have to find the words and strength to inspire my officers, to motivate them and reassure them that together we will be okay and still have a job to do. I ask that you keep Officer Desjardin’s family in your thoughts and prayers as well as our law enforcement and first responder community during this extremely difficult time.”; ”

On behalf of your fellow brothers and sisters at Fryeburg Police; rest in peace buddy, we’ll take it from here.”