Family of Maine hit-and-run victim issues statement

LEWISTON, Maine, Dec. 23, 2016 — Family members of Lorna Nugent, the 56-year-old Casco woman killed Sunday by a hit-and-run driver, released a public statement today through their attorney, Michael Bigos of Berman & Simmons.

The statement responds directly to Jeffrey Smith Jr., and the comments attributed to him and his family members in the days since he struck and killed Lorna Nugent on Route 302.

“Our family is suffering the worst pain anyone can imagine. Mr. Smith, you say you thought you hit a deer. We don’t believe you. Your attempts to shift blame are shameful. Stop avoiding the truth. With your actions and your words you took a mother, aunt, sister, daughter, grandmother, cousin, and niece, and now you are trying to take her voice. We won’t let that happen. We will speak for her and we will fight for justice.”

The release of the statement was covered by several Maine media outlets. Click on the links below to view or read the coverage.

WCSH 6 TV — “Family of Casco hit-and-run victim: Stop avoiding the truth”

Bangor Daily News — “Family of woman killed in Casco denounces defendant’s statement about hitting a deer”

Lakes Region Weekly — “Man charged in hit-and-run remains in jail”

Attorney Bigos is working closely with Ms. Nugent’s family members and expects to represent them in any civil actions resulting from her death. Bigos will act as a spokesperson for the family, and he asks the media to please respect their privacy during this difficult time.