A heartbreaking tragedy has left the close-knit community of Albion, Maine, in deep mourning after a hit-and-run crash claimed the lives of 3-year-old twin brothers, Bradley and Noah Egold, beloved sons of Mollie Egold. The fatal incident occurred on Friday, July 11, 2025, when the children and their mother were struck by a vehicle while walking along Hussey Hill Road. The driver fled the scene, prompting a swift investigation that led to the arrest of 44-year-old Benjamin Lancaster, who now faces multiple felony charges.
Bradley and Noah were radiant lights in the lives of their family, friends, and community. Known for their boundless energy, joyful spirits, and the inseparable bond they shared as twins, the two boys brought warmth and innocence to everyone they met. Whether playing together, sharing snacks from the local store, or lighting up a room with their laughter, Bradley and Noah were cherished by all who knew them. Their tragic and untimely passing has cast a profound shadow over Albion, uniting residents in grief and remembrance.
According to Maine State Police, the incident occurred around 5:12 p.m. on Hussey Hill Road, where Mollie Egold, 33, was walking with her twin sons, pushing them in a stroller. A white 2016 Hyundai Veloster, allegedly driven by Lancaster, struck the family and fled the scene. Bradley was pronounced dead at the scene, while Noah, critically injured, was airlifted to Maine Medical Center, where he was pronounced brain dead on Sunday, July 13, 2025. Mollie Egold sustained serious injuries and remains hospitalized in critical but stable condition.
Investigators identified Lancaster as the driver through surveillance footage and damage to his vehicle, which matched debris found at the crash site. Initially, Lancaster denied being behind the wheel, but evidence, including accounts from his brother and video from local cameras, confirmed his involvement. He was arrested on Sunday, July 13, 2025, and is being held at Kennebec County Jail on $100,000 cash bail. Lancaster faces charges including one count of manslaughter (Class A), one count of aggravated criminal operating under the influence (Class B), two counts of aggravated criminal operating under the influence (Class C), and three counts of leaving the scene of an accident involving serious bodily injury or death (Class C). Authorities suspect Lancaster was under the influence of narcotic analgesics at the time of the crash, and prosecutors may seek an additional manslaughter charge following Noah’s death.
The Albion community has been shaken to its core by this loss. Vigils have been held to honor Bradley and Noah, with residents leaving blue hydrangeas, toys, candles, and heartfelt notes at a growing memorial near the crash site. The Albion Christian Church is hosting a spaghetti supper fundraiser on Saturday, July 19, 2025, from 4 to 6 p.m. to support the Egold family. A GoFundMe campaign has raised nearly $30,000 to assist with medical and funeral expenses, reflecting the community’s outpouring of love and support. At 202 General Store, where Mollie briefly worked as a cashier, employees have set up a donation jar, and another is planned for the Route 32 General Store in China.
Mollie Egold, described by coworkers as a quiet, kind-hearted mother devoted to her family, has faced unimaginable loss. This tragedy follows the death of her eldest son, William, who drowned in a canoeing accident in Vassalboro in 2017 at age 5. In a statement shared through a family friend on the GoFundMe page, Mollie expressed her grief: “Bradley and Noah were my world. They were kind-hearted, full of life, and loved by everyone who met them. I want people to remember their laughter, their bond, and the love they brought into every room. Nothing will ever be the same without them.”
As Albion grapples with this tragedy, local leaders are calling for enhanced safety measures, including stricter penalties for hit-and-run offenses and increased enforcement against impaired driving. Discussions are underway about infrastructure improvements, such as better pedestrian pathways and signage in residential areas where children walk or play. The Egold family is considering establishing a memorial foundation in Bradley and Noah’s names to support child safety programs and public awareness initiatives across Maine.
A joint memorial service for Bradley and Noah will be announced by the Egold family in the coming days. During this time of profound sorrow, the family requests privacy as they grieve and plan to honor their precious boys. The community’s prayers, kindness, and support continue to offer solace amidst this devastating loss.
Bradley and Noah Egold may no longer walk among us, but their memory—their love, their laughter, and their light—will forever remain etched in the heart of Albion.
