With heavy hearts, the community is mourning the loss of 56-year-old Jeffrey Cookson of Burnham, Maine, who died following a reported hit-and-run collision involving a vehicle and a bicycle on Peltoma Avenue in Pittsfield on Tuesday, November 10, 2026.
According to the Pittsfield Police Department, authorities received a report at approximately 4:28 p.m. concerning a bicycle in the roadway and a dark-colored sedan traveling south at a high rate of speed. Responding officers arrived on Peltoma Avenue, just north of the snowmobile club, where they discovered Jeffrey deceased.
Several witnesses reportedly described the vehicle as a dark-colored Volkswagen Jetta with a missing headlight and damage to its windshield. A search involving neighboring law enforcement agencies led Waldo County Sheriff’s Office deputies to a black 2003 Volkswagen Jetta parked along Horseback Road near Cookson Road in Burnham.
The vehicle was subsequently seized by deputies and Maine State Police troopers as evidence while investigators continued their work.
Police say the investigation remains active. Investigators believe excessive speed and alcohol may have contributed to the collision, although the full circumstances have yet to be established.
As authorities work to determine what happened, Jeffrey’s death has left family members, friends, and others who knew him facing an unexpected and painful loss.
Behind his name was a life filled with memories, relationships, and moments that will remain meaningful to those who knew and loved him. Although no words can take away the grief of losing someone so suddenly, his memory will remain with those whose lives he touched.
Thoughts and condolences are with Jeffrey Cookson’s family, friends, and everyone affected by this tragedy. May he rest in peace.
