A Maine man, Johnathan Bauer, 28, died on Halloween after the electric unicycle he was riding was struck by a car in Augusta, Maine. The incident occurred around 3:20 p.m. on Saturday, according to local police.
Bauer was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the other vehicle, Rhysonne Bishop, 26, of Mississippi, was uninjured. Authorities have not made arrests and are investigating the crash, with the Maine State Police joining the Augusta Police Department. Investigators are requesting that anyone with information contact the Augusta Police Department.
In the wake of the tragedy, Bauer's parents established an online fundraiser to help cover funeral expenses and travel costs. The fundraiser has surpassed its $3,000 goal. The family described Bauer's death as "heart-wrenching" and noted their struggle to cover unexpected costs.
Bauer's sister, Natashia, shared a tribute on social media, expressing her disbelief and grief. "Little brother, I can't believe this is real. Take me back to this moment," she wrote, accompanying a photo from his graduation. She also expressed the depth of her pain, stating, "I don't want to wake up. I don't want to feel this pain. How do I say goodbye to someone whose been with me my whole damn life?"
Electric unicycles, on which riders stand, can be difficult to control and pose safety risks. Some models can reach high speeds, with reports indicating certain models can achieve up to 93 mph. The specific model Bauer was riding was not disclosed. State laws regarding electric unicycles vary, and they are not always explicitly mentioned. In some states, like New York, riding them on public streets is illegal. Maine law permits motorized bicycles and tricycles on public streets, but it does not specifically address electric unicycles.