In Loving Memory of Brian Merchant and Laurie Ridgway Honoring Two Lives Lost Too Soon in a Tragic North Wade Road Incident
The community is mourning the heartbreaking loss of 64-year-old Brian Merchant and 56-year-old Laurie Ridgway, two beloved individuals whose lives were tragically cut short on November 18. Their passing has left family, friends, and neighbors devastated as they grapple with the suddenness of this tragedy and the quiet, invisible danger that claimed their lives.
On Tuesday morning, Maine State Police and Emergency Medical Services responded to 505 North Wade Road after a request for a welfare check was made around 11:15 a.m. What they discovered was deeply sorrowful—both Brian and Laurie had passed away inside the residence they shared. First responders quickly confirmed that neither occupant had survived, prompting immediate involvement from investigators with the Office of State Fire Marshal.
As officials examined the scene, they uncovered a heartbreaking cause: the furnace exhaust pipe inside the home had been improperly installed and had become disconnected, allowing deadly exhaust fumes to seep directly into the living space. Evidence strongly indicates that Brian and Laurie succumbed to carbon monoxide poisoning, a silent and odorless danger that gives little to no warning. The Office of Chief Medical Examiner in Augusta will conduct full examinations, but early findings paint a clear picture of the tragic circumstances.
Though their lives ended far too soon, Brian and Laurie’s stories are far greater than the tragedy that claimed them. Both were individuals who brought warmth, companionship, and love into the world. They shared a home, a life, and a bond that was reflected in the way they cared for one another. Friends and neighbors describe them as kind-hearted, hardworking, and deeply supportive people who looked out for those around them. Whether it was a friendly conversation across the yard, a helping hand offered without hesitation, or the quiet comfort they provided to one another, their presence enriched the lives they touched.
Their passing stands as a solemn reminder of the importance of safety within our homes—but more importantly, it marks the loss of two lives that mattered deeply to many. As the State Fire Marshal’s Office urges Maine residents to ensure carbon monoxide detectors and smoke alarms are properly installed and functioning, as well as to schedule regular heating system inspections, the community carries forward the memory of Brian and Laurie with heavy hearts.
In this time of grief, may the families of Brian Merchant and Laurie Ridgway find strength in one another, comfort in shared memories, and peace in knowing the community stands beside them. And may Brian and Laurie rest gently, remembered not for the tragic way they left this world, but for the lives they lived, the love they shared, and the warmth they brought to others.
Forever in our hearts.
