Harmony residents remember
accident victim as caring man

By ALAN CROWELL
Staff Writer

Copyright © 2006 Blethen Maine Newspapers Inc.

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HARMONY -- Ashley Rowell was remembered Monday as a man who cared deeply for his town.

"He was just the type of person, who, no matter where you saw him .... he was always ready to help in any way he could," said Donna Olson, Harmony First Selectman.

Rowell, 87, who had served Harmony as town treasurer and in several other functions, was struck and killed Saturday as he crossed Route 150 to get his mail around noon.

Gary Gourley, 61, of Athens, was driving southwest in a 2000 Chevrolet pickup truck when the accident occurred. Gourley told police that he never saw Rowell before his truck struck the man, according to Lt. Paul York of the Somerset County Sheriff's Office.

Rowell was killed instantly. Gourley was taken to Redington-Fairview General Hospital in Skowhegan, complaining of chest and stomach pain.

York said Monday that the accident remains under investigation. He said Gourley had just rounded a slight corner when the accident occurred.

State police are investigating the accident. Lt. Dale Lancaster said the full report is not available, although he said speed does not appear to be a factor.

Olson said the mood in Harmony was somber as people came to grips with the fact that they had lost a valuable and well-thought-of member of the community.

"I think everybody is really saddened," she said.