Rumford, Maine – A harrowing chapter has drawn to a close in Oxford County as Matthew R. Kellogg, 43, of Hopedale, Massachusetts, has been sentenced in connection with a devastating crash that claimed the life of his 9-year-old son, critically injured his 6-year-old son, and inflicted serious harm on another motorist. The tragic collision occurred on March 9, 2024, along Route 2 in Rumford and left a community reeling in grief and disbelief.

On June 23, 2025, in Oxford County Superior Court, Kellogg was sentenced after pleading guilty to several felony charges, including manslaughter, aggravated assault, and operating under the influence (OUI). The court handed down a 15-year prison sentence, with all but 5 years suspended, followed by 4 years of probation. As part of his probationary terms, Kellogg is strictly prohibited from consuming or possessing alcohol, must participate in substance abuse treatment, and is barred from having any contact with the surviving victim, F. Michael Piveronas, of Rumford.

A Tragedy That Shook Rumford to Its Core

At approximately 3:13 p.m. on March 9, 2024, emergency responders rushed to a horrific crash site on Route 2 near 1125 U.S. Highway. According to police reports and witness accounts, Kellogg had been traveling eastbound in the westbound lane of Route 2 in his 2016 Subaru Impreza. His two sons, ages 9 and 6, were in the vehicle with him when he collided head-on with a westbound Volvo sedan driven by Mr. Piveronas.

The force of the impact was immense, causing catastrophic injuries to all four occupants. A Game Warden and an off-duty nurse were among the first to arrive at the scene, providing emergency aid to the children while firefighters and EMS worked to extricate the victims from the wreckage. Tragically, Kellogg’s 9-year-old son was pronounced dead shortly after arrival at Rumford Hospital, despite valiant efforts to save him. The younger child suffered grave injuries but survived after extensive medical intervention. Mr. Piveronas also endured serious, life-altering injuries.

An Investigation that Brought the Truth to Light

In the days following the crash, confusion and speculation swirled throughout the community. Online forums and social media platforms were flooded with rumors, many of which attempted to deflect blame from Kellogg, who was known to some as a friendly, outgoing father. However, as law enforcement and crash reconstruction experts from the Maine State Police and Androscoggin County Sheriff’s Office completed their thorough investigation, the truth became undeniable.

Toxicology reports confirmed that Kellogg’s blood alcohol content (BAC) was well over the legal limit at the time of the crash. Several open containers of alcohol were also recovered from his vehicle. Mechanical inspections ruled out defects in either vehicle, and investigators found no fault on the part of Mr. Piveronas.

The crash, prosecutors emphasized, was not a result of misjudgment or bad luck—but a consequence of Kellogg’s deliberate choice to drive while intoxicated.

A Community’s Grief and a Stark Reminder

Rumford Police Chief Tony Milligan offered a somber reflection following the sentencing:

“There is no joy in announcing this conviction—only sadness for lives forever changed. This was a preventable tragedy. One poor decision—to drive impaired—set off a chain of events that cost a 9-year-old boy his life, gravely injured another child, and left an innocent man with devastating injuries and trauma.”

Chief Milligan used the opportunity to appeal directly to the public, especially as the Fourth of July weekend approaches, urging everyone to avoid impaired and distracted driving. He underscored that every choice behind the wheel carries enormous responsibility, and that one lapse in judgment can lead to irreversible outcomes.

The chief also noted Rumford Police’s ongoing partnership with the Maine Bureau of Highway Safety, which helps fund additional patrols during peak travel periods to identify and stop intoxicated drivers before tragedies occur.

Justice Through Collaboration

The successful prosecution of the case was credited to Assistant District Attorney Patricia Mador, working under the leadership of District Attorney Neal McLean. The Rumford Police Department extended its appreciation to the DA’s office for a prosecution marked by both professionalism and compassion.

“In a time when public confidence in the justice system is often strained,” Milligan said, “this case stands as a clear example of how strong collaboration between law enforcement and prosecutors can lead to real accountability.”

The investigation and court proceedings reflected a team effort at every level—from the responding officers and first responders to the technical crash investigators and legal advocates.

Looking Forward with Heavy Hearts

The Rumford Police Department closed their announcement with continued support for all those impacted by the events of March 9, 2024. They also praised the coordinated response by multiple public safety agencies that day, acknowledging the emotional toll such scenes have on first responders, many of whom will carry the weight of what they witnessed for years to come.

As the town of Rumford moves forward, there remains a lingering sense of sorrow and a powerful reminder of what was lost—and what could have been prevented. The memory of the young boy whose life was cut short serves as a poignant call to action: never drive under the influence. Let his memory, and the suffering of his family, not be in vain.

The tragedy, while deeply painful, has ignited an urgent conversation about responsibility, awareness, and the shared duty to protect one another on the roads we all travel.