Kendall Willard Death & Obituary: The community of Kingfield, Maine is mourning the tragic loss of Kendall Willard, 63, who passed away following a snowboarding accident at Sugarloaf Mountain on the morning of April 5, 2025. His death has been confirmed by the Maine Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, and has left family, friends, and fellow winter sports enthusiasts heartbroken.
Virginia Norey Death & Obituary: A Legacy of Innovation, Creativity, and Generosity in Design
The Accident
According to Carrabassett Valley Police Chief Mark Lopez, the incident occurred when Willard, while riding a chairlift at Sugarloaf, accidentally dropped an item. In an effort to retrieve it, he exited the lift and entered a trail that had been closed due to hazardous icy conditions. The trail had been clearly marked off for safety, but it appears Willard may have been unaware of the risk.
While walking down the icy path, Willard lost his footing and slid into a group of trees, sustaining critical injuries. Though initially reported as a skiing-related incident, further investigation and confirmation from the Medical Examiner’s office revealed that Willard had been snowboarding at the time.
The accident took place at approximately 9 a.m., and despite efforts to assist, the injuries he sustained in the fall proved fatal. An investigation is ongoing to determine the precise cause of death, though it is believed that both the impact and the trail conditions played significant roles.
A Respected Member of the Community
Kendall Willard was a beloved member of the Kingfield community, known for his passion for the outdoors and his frequent visits to Sugarloaf. Friends and locals have described him as a kind, adventurous spirit who deeply loved the mountains and winter sports.
His presence was a familiar and welcome one at Sugarloaf, a resort known throughout the Northeast for its rugged terrain and tight-knit skiing and snowboarding community. News of his passing has reverberated throughout the region, sparking an outpouring of condolences and reflections on his life and love of the sport.
A Cautionary Reminder
While the community grieves, the incident serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of safety on the slopes, especially during spring months when conditions can change rapidly. Sugarloaf staff and local authorities are urging all visitors to heed trail closures and pay close attention to weather-related advisories.
Resort officials have reiterated their commitment to maintaining clear safety protocols and are cooperating fully with investigators as they continue to review the circumstances surrounding Willard’s death.
In Memory
As Kingfield and the broader Sugarloaf community come together to mourn, many are remembering Kendall not just for the way he died, but for the way he lived—with adventure, heart, and deep appreciation for the natural beauty around him.
Plans for a local memorial have not yet been announced, but those who knew Kendall are already honoring his memory in their own way—whether by sharing stories, riding the slopes he loved, or simply holding his family in their thoughts.
We extend our deepest condolences to Kendall Willard’s family, friends, and all those affected by this loss. May his memory continue to inspire both caution and courage in those who share his passion for the mountains.
