Man who lost his mother and two children the night of his wedding shares their story

ROQUE BLUFFS, Maine (WMTW) — A Mount Desert father says his mother died while trying to save his two young children after their vehicle was found submerged off the coast of Roque Bluffs over the weekend.

Authorities identified the victims as 61-year-old Sharon Bukulmez of Mount Desert and her young grandchildren. The three were found Sunday after disappearing Saturday night while traveling from a family wedding in Jonesboro to Machias. The Maine State Police investigation remains ongoing, and the Office of Chief Medical Examiner will determine the cause and manner of their deaths.

Peter Grubb, Bukulmez’s son and the children’s father, said his mother left his wedding Saturday evening with Kinsley and Sawyer. When they failed to arrive at the Airbnb where they were expected to stay, he became concerned and began searching for them.

According to the officials, the Bar Harbor Police Department later obtained cellphone location data from Bukulmez’s phone, which led investigators to the water near the boat ramp at the end of Schoppee Point Road in Roque Bluffs. State police and other first responders then located the submerged vehicle.

Grubb said investigators told him his mother was found trying to help the children escape the vehicle. That account has not been independently confirmed by Maine State Police, which has released few details about what happened inside the vehicle.

Grubb described his mother as a deeply caring person who dedicated her life to helping others. Bukulmez worked at Mount Desert Island Hospital in Bar Harbor. In a statement, a hospital spokesperson said the organization is “deeply saddened” by her death and extended condolences to her family, friends and colleagues.

Grubb also remembered his children as fun-loving and full of joy.

“They were the best pair of kids a father could ask for,” he said, adding that knowing they understood how deeply they were loved has provided him “a slight sense of peace.”

The tragedy has also renewed attention to the area where the vehicle was found. In 2013, two hikers died after their vehicle entered the water near the Schoppee Point boat launch after an overnight search.

In a Facebook post, state Rep. Tiffany Strout, R-Harrington, said she is willing to work with the town of Roque Bluffs and the Maine Department of Transportation to explore safety improvements at the site, including the possibility of additional warning signs. Strout did not indicate whether any specific proposals are under consideration.