Matthew Kellogg Sentenced in Fatal Rumford Crash That Killed 9-Year-Old Son, Injured Others
RUMFORD, MAINE — A heart-wrenching chapter in the lives of multiple families came to a somber conclusion in Oxford County as 43-year-old Matthew R. Kellogg of Hopedale, Massachusetts, was sentenced in connection with a catastrophic crash that forever changed the trajectory of three lives. The collision, which occurred on March 9, 2024, on Route 2 in Rumford, claimed the life of Kellogg’s 9-year-old son, left his 6-year-old son critically injured, and caused significant injury to another innocent motorist. Now, as the legal process concludes, a community is left to reflect on the harrowing consequences of one devastating decision.
According to investigators and courtroom testimony, the crash unfolded on a snowy Saturday afternoon when Kellogg, traveling with his two young sons, lost control of his vehicle and veered into the path of an oncoming car. Authorities cited reckless driving and excessive speed as contributing factors, with evidence showing Kellogg’s vehicle crossed the center line of the two-lane highway. The violent collision that followed instantly took the life of his 9-year-old son, a bright, energetic boy whose future was filled with promise.
The 6-year-old boy, who survived the crash but sustained life-threatening injuries, was rushed to a regional medical center and has since undergone multiple surgeries. His recovery has been described as miraculous but arduous, involving a long road of physical therapy and emotional healing. The third victim, a woman driving the other vehicle, also suffered serious injuries and required extensive medical treatment. Her life, too, has been irreparably changed by the collision.
In the months following the crash, the town of Rumford — along with communities in both Maine and Massachusetts — expressed overwhelming support for the grieving families. Candlelight vigils were held, fundraisers organized, and messages of prayer and solidarity flooded social media. The tragedy struck a particularly deep chord because of the youth of the victims and the seeming preventability of the incident.
During sentencing this week at the Oxford County Superior Court, emotions ran high as loved ones of the victims delivered victim impact statements that brought many in the courtroom to tears. Kellogg, appearing visibly shaken and remorseful, pleaded guilty to charges including manslaughter, aggravated driving to endanger, and reckless conduct with a dangerous weapon. He acknowledged full responsibility for the crash and expressed profound sorrow for the pain he caused.
“I failed the people I love most,” Kellogg told the court, his voice breaking. “Every day, I carry the weight of my son’s death, the pain my surviving son lives with, and the harm I caused to another innocent person. I will never forgive myself.”
Judge Rebecca Harmon, who presided over the case, imposed a sentence of eight years in prison, with four years suspended, and four years of probation upon release. Conditions of probation include no driving, mandatory substance abuse counseling, and participation in victim impact panels. The judge emphasized that the sentence balanced accountability with recognition of the deeply personal loss Kellogg already endures.
“This case is a tragic convergence of parental love and grievous misjudgment,” Judge Harmon said. “Mr. Kellogg’s actions were reckless, and the consequences were irreversible. While no sentence can return what was lost, this ruling reflects the need for justice, healing, and public safety.”
As the legal process comes to a close, many in the community are now turning their focus to healing — particularly for the surviving child, whose life will always be marked by trauma, physical scars, and the absence of his brother. Family members have asked for privacy and continued prayers as they support him in his ongoing recovery.
Community leaders have also called attention to the importance of road safety, responsible driving, and early intervention in cases where emotional distress or recklessness may impair decision-making behind the wheel. Route 2, the site of the fatal collision, has seen multiple serious accidents in recent years, prompting discussions around infrastructure improvements and increased enforcement.
The memory of the young boy who lost his life in the crash continues to live on in those who knew and loved him. Described by teachers as “a kind-hearted, curious child with a love for nature and science,” he is remembered not for the tragedy of his death but for the joy of his short life.
Though nothing can undo the tragedy of March 9, 2024, the sentencing of Matthew R. Kellogg brings a measure of closure to a painful ordeal. It is a reminder that actions have consequences, that grief can be shared, and that amid unimaginable sorrow, communities can come together to honor life, seek justice, and begin the difficult path toward healing.