It is with great sorrow that we report the untimely death of 63-year-old Kendall Willard, a beloved member of the Kingfield, Maine, community. Willard tragically passed away on April 5, 2025, following a snowboarding accident at Sugarloaf Mountain, one of the region’s most popular and well-loved ski resorts. His death has left a deep void in the hearts of his family, friends, and fellow snow sports enthusiasts.
Willard, known for his love of winter sports, had spent the day enjoying the slopes at Sugarloaf Mountain. Unfortunately, an unfortunate series of events led to a fatal outcome that has deeply affected both the local community and the broader group of visitors to the ski resort.
A Chain of Events
According to authorities from the Carrabassett Valley Police Department, the incident occurred when Willard was riding a chairlift at Sugarloaf Mountain. During the ride, he accidentally dropped an item, prompting him to disembark from the lift in an attempt to retrieve it. In his effort to recover the dropped object, Willard made the decision to leave the lift and head down the trail that ran parallel to the lift line.
However, the trail that Willard chose was closed due to hazardous conditions caused by icy weather. The closed trail had been marked with signs indicating the dangers ahead, but Willard, likely unaware of the severity of the conditions, ventured onto it anyway. Despite the best safety measures taken by the resort, the icy trail proved treacherous, and as Willard continued down, he lost his footing.
Tragically, he slid uncontrollably into a group of trees that lined the edge of the trail. The force of the collision caused severe injuries that ultimately led to Willard’s untimely death.
Remembering Kendall Willard
Kendall Willard was a regular at Sugarloaf Mountain, known for his passion for snowboarding and his warm, outgoing personality. Willard had spent years honing his skills on the slopes, and many considered him a seasoned snowboarder with a deep respect for the mountain environment. His enthusiasm for winter sports was infectious, and he was a familiar face on the mountain, often seen with his friends or joining fellow snow sport enthusiasts in various events.
Born and raised in Kingfield, Willard was a community staple. Those who knew him often spoke of his kindness, his willingness to help others, and his easygoing nature. Willard had a close-knit group of friends who shared his passion for snowboarding and winter sports, and his sudden passing has left many in shock.
In addition to his love for snowboarding, Willard was also an avid outdoorsman, with a deep appreciation for the natural beauty of Maine. Whether hiking, fishing, or simply exploring the state’s forests and mountains, he was always drawn to the outdoors and found joy in sharing these experiences with others. His passion for nature and adventure extended beyond snowboarding, and he was often seen participating in community events and environmental conservation efforts.
Willard’s family, friends, and acquaintances have all expressed their heartbreak and sorrow at the news of his passing. Fellow snowboarders and skiers at Sugarloaf have shared fond memories of Willard, recalling how he would often offer tips to others or simply share a laugh with anyone on the chairlift beside him. To them, he was not just a regular guest at the resort—he was a friend, a mentor, and a constant presence on the mountain.
A Tragic Reminder of Mountain Safety
While the investigation into the incident is ongoing, Willard’s death serves as a poignant reminder of the unpredictable nature of winter sports and the importance of adhering to safety guidelines, particularly in conditions that can change rapidly. Sugarloaf Mountain, like many ski resorts, takes great care to ensure the safety of its visitors, with trails closed when deemed unsafe due to weather conditions such as icy conditions or poor visibility. Despite these precautions, accidents can and do happen, and the tragedy of Willard’s passing highlights the dangers that can sometimes be overlooked, especially when snow conditions are less than ideal.
The Carrabassett Valley Police and resort officials are continuing their investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident. As part of the ongoing efforts, they are working to determine whether any additional safety measures could have prevented the unfortunate event.
A Heartfelt Community Response
Willard’s passing has left the community of Kingfield in mourning. Residents and local businesses have come together to offer their condolences and support to Willard’s family during this difficult time. Friends and fellow snow sport enthusiasts have shared their grief online and through social media, expressing their sorrow for the loss of a man who was not only a talented snowboarder but also a kind, generous individual who brought warmth and friendship to those around him.
In the wake of Willard’s death, many have called for an increased focus on safety measures and awareness, especially concerning the potential dangers of venturing onto closed trails or disregarding mountain alerts. While skiing and snowboarding are thrilling and rewarding sports, they also come with inherent risks, and it is vital that participants adhere to all posted warnings and guidelines to ensure their own safety and that of others.
Willard’s Legacy
As the community continues to come to terms with this tragic loss, it is clear that Kendall Willard’s legacy will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. He leaves behind a family that loved him dearly and a group of friends and fellow snow sports enthusiasts who will forever remember him for his joyful spirit and his love for the mountain.
While his life was tragically cut short, Willard’s impact on those around him will not soon be forgotten. His passion for life, the outdoors, and winter sports will continue to inspire others to embrace the joys of the mountain while also respecting the risks that come with it. As the investigation continues, Willard’s family hopes that his story will serve as a reminder to others to always prioritize safety on the slopes and be mindful of the conditions that can change rapidly in the mountain environment.
The family of Kendall Willard has expressed their gratitude for the outpouring of support from the community and from fellow visitors to Sugarloaf. In his memory, they ask that those who were touched by Willard’s life consider taking a moment to reflect on the importance of safety, the value of friendship, and the love that he shared with everyone around him.
Services and Memorial
A memorial service for Kendall Willard will be held in Kingfield, Maine, where friends, family, and members of the community can gather to celebrate his life and honor his memory. The details of the service will be shared by the family at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to local organizations that promote outdoor safety and winter sports awareness, causes that Willard held dear throughout his life.
Kendall Willard’s untimely death has left a deep sadness in the Kingfield community, but his memory will forever be a part of the fabric of Sugarloaf Mountain and the people who loved and knew him best.
