The couple killed in a Bangor car crash following a police chase loved each other deeply, even if they weren’t supposed to be in contact.
Noah Mushero, 39, of Bangor and Sheena Soctomah-Rolfe, 39, of Orono died in a crash on Finson Road following a chase by the Penobscot County Sheriff’s Office on July 22. There was an active warrant for Soctomah-Rolfe for alleged drug trafficking, and it was the second police chase the pair were involved in within two days, Bangor police said previously.
Mushero and Soctomah-Rolfe loved each other, Mushero’s 19-year-old daughter, Ivy Michaud, said. But the two weren’t supposed to be together the day of the crash. Mushero was on probation and one of his conditions was that he was not supposed to have contact with Soctomah-Rolfe, Bangor police said.
Mushero made mistakes in life, including substance use, but was still very much loved, Michaud said.
Even when Mushero was in active addiction, he still loved his children more than anything, his sister Marena Snow said. He had been sober for seven months before the crash and was in drug court, she said.
“He just loved Sheena so much,” Snow said. “They were so toxic because one of them always would be using.”
Mushero had two children and treated Soctomah-Rolfe’s daughter, Kiannah Soctomah, like she was his own and adored her, Snow said.
Soctomah-Rolfe was an inspiration and pillar of strength for her daughter, 17-year-old Soctomah said.
“Her unwavering support and endless love have shaped me into the person I am today,” Soctomah said. “She has taught me the importance of kindness, perseverance, and the value of hard work. I am forever grateful for her guidance and the countless sacrifices she has made for our family.”
All Snow wanted was for Mushero to get and stay sober, so he could be an active part of her daughter’s life.
“I’m going to miss him more than anything in this world, but I know he is no longer fighting his addiction,” she said.
People need to know they can change and get help, because fatal crashes like this happen when they don’t, Michaud said.
“I wish I could see him one more time and tell him how much I love him,” Michaud said.
The family started a GoFundMe to help pay for Mushero’s funeral and cremation.
