A tragic incident in Maine has left a family devastated after a grandmother and her two young grandchildren were discovered deceased in a submerged vehicle. The bodies of 61-year-old Sharon Bukulmez, alongside five-year-old Kinley Grubb and three-year-old Sawyer Grubb, were located in Pond Cove on Sunday, 20th September. Early indications suggest that Bukulmez was attempting to assist the children when they became trapped in the vehicle.
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Family members raised concern after the trio failed to arrive at their intended Airbnb following a wedding that took place the day before. Sharon Bukulmez, who hailed from Mount Desert, was last seen leaving the family celebration in Jonesboro at approximately 8:30 p.m. on Saturday evening. They were expected to reach Machias, but their journey took a tragic turn.
Peter Grubb, Bukulmez’s son and the father of the children, described the depth of his loss in remarks to local media, stating, “They were the best pair of kids a father could ask for.” He conveyed a sense of peace knowing that his children understood how much they were loved, even amid the heartbreaking circumstances.
Authorities became involved when family members alerted them of the missing individuals. Investigative efforts were swiftly initiated by the Bar Harbor Police Department. As part of these efforts, police accessed location data from Bukulmez’s mobile phone, which indicated a signal near the water at Schoppee Point Road in Roque Bluffs.
The submerged vehicle was ultimately recovered around 7 a.m. on Sunday. It has been reported that Peter Grubb believes his mother died heroically, trying to help the youngsters escape from the water. Autopsies are currently being conducted to ascertain the precise causes of death for all three individuals.
Bukulmez was remembered fondly not only by her family but by several members of the community who highlighted her history of kindness and generosity. She was employed at Mount Desert Island Hospital and dedicated her life to helping others, a legacy that her loved ones are keen to carry forward.
Peter’s friends from childhood, Ryan Lynde, Alec Jeannotte, and Wade Lyman, also shared their memories of Bukulmez, recalling the nurturing environment she created during their formative years. “At that age, we’re all kind of a little lost, and we had a space. Sharon created this space for us,” Jeannotte recounted, emphasising her role in fostering a sense of community among the youth.
Having attended Grubb’s wedding on 19th September, the friends remembered the event as a beautiful celebration of love, unaware that mere hours later, the family would face unimaginable heartache. Jeannotte expressed a desire to honour Bukulmez, stating, “Sharon would want us to kind of foster that community, you know, carry that torch forward.”
As investigations continue, the Maine State Police and the Office of Chief Medical Examiner are concentrating on understanding the circumstances leading to this tragic event. No further details have been disclosed at this time, as the authorities await results from the ongoing investigations.
In moments like this, the grief felt by those left behind is palpable, but so too is the spirit of love and remembrance for Sharon Bukulmez and her beloved grandchildren. The community rallies around the family, seeking to honour the lives lost and provide support in the difficult days ahead.