Local News

Maine assistant principal dies after fiery crash during alleged police chase

“This news is incredibly difficult for us to process as a staff, and may be very difficult for your child as well," the school superintendent told families.

September 15, 2025

2 minutes to read

Classes were canceled at a Maine high school after a 34-year-old educator died in a fiery crash while allegedly speeding away from police Saturday night, officials said.

Jacob Brown, of Scarborough, was an assistant principal at Scarborough High School, a suburb just south of Portland, the district confirmed.

Police received multiple 911 calls reporting “a vehicle operating erratically on I-295 southbound” around 9:30 p.m. Saturday, Maine State Police said. Troopers pulled over Brown’s Jeep Wrangler, but during the stop, Brown “suddenly fled at a high rate of speed,” police said.

“Troopers attempted to catch up to the vehicle with emergency lights and sirens activated,” Maine State Police said in a statement. “As the Jeep came into view, it veered off the right side of the roadway, at Mile Marker 13 southbound in Cumberland, crashing into the woods and becoming engulfed in flames.”

Brown wasn’t wearing a seatbelt and was ejected a “short distance” from his car, troopers said. He was pulled away from the fire to receive life-saving measures but was pronounced dead “a short time later,” police said.

The incident is under investigation, State Police said, but speed and alcohol were likely contributing factors to the fatal crash.

Scarborough Public Schools Superintendent Diane Nadeau confirmed Brown’s death in a letter to parents Sunday. Brown started his career as a middle school teacher in Scarborough, a press release said, and also served as the varsity hockey coach. He joined the high school in 2020.

“Jake left a lasting impression on all who had the privilege of working with
him. He had a natural gift for building meaningful relationships; his fun-loving spirit, warm smile, and steady presence lifted those around him,” Nadeau wrote in the release. “His impact extended far beyond our schools—he was a respected member of the Scarborough community, the Southern and Central Maine hockey community, and the Maine Principals’ Association through his volunteer work.”

Regular classes and vocational programming were canceled at Scarborough High School, while other classes across the district continued. After school activities took place as scheduled. Tuesday classes will be delayed by two hours as well.

“This news is incredibly difficult for us to process as a staff, and may be very difficult for your child as well,” Nadeau wrote to families. “We welcome high school students to the school beginning at 10 a.m., for anyone who wants to come. The day is being intentionally designed for students and staff to come together for support as needed.”