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Laura Sebastianelli | all galleries >> Photo-a-day-or-so: 2009 >> padso_jul_2009 > Moxie Falls, and Garth Coon -- RIP
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29-JUL-2009 Laura Sebastianelli

Moxie Falls, and Garth Coon -- RIP

Moxie Gore, Maine

At 92 feet, Moxie Falls along Moxie Stream in Moxie Gore is Maine's highest waterfall in Maine. I happened to be there on the 4th anniversary date of the death of a man who died there saving a friend.

"Man tries to save friend in waterfall, dies
MOXIE GORE, Maine (AP)
An Oakland man was apparently trying to save his female companion when he was swept to his death over one of Maine's steepest waterfalls, authorities said yesterday afternoon. The Maine Warden Service said Garth Coon, 39, died Friday afternoon at the scene of the accident at Moxie Falls, east of the Kennebec River in a thickly wooded area near the Forks. Coon and his companion, Carol Gordon, 34, of Oakland were swimming in Moxie Stream when Gordon apparently got caught in the current 10 or 15 feet from the drop-off, Lieutenant Pat Dorian said. ''She realized she was in trouble and hollered to him," Dorian said. ''He attempted to save her from going over the edge." Witnesses said the two apparently fell onto a ledge three-quarters of the way down the falls, which drop 92 feet. Gordon was flown by LifeFlight helicopter to Eastern Maine Medical Center in Bangor, where she was being treated for multiple fractures."

RIP, Garth Coon.

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Guest 14-May-2022 20:03
Very touching memorial, I'm very sorry for your loss.
I hope I would hope I would react the same way! A true hero!
Dave 07-Jan-2021 01:39
I have watched this post for many years and want to speak up. I was on vacation with a group of guys, and we were at the base of the falls that day. We were the first people who provided the initial rescue for Garth and Carol, and were the ones calling for help down in the revine. I am not sure what people know, but you should know that after both Garth and Carol went over the falls, Garth was the first person to give Carol aid, and kept her above water until we could swim to them and provide further aid. If he didn't do what he did, Carol would have certainly drowned before we got to her. He did it right.
Tonia Taylor 30-Apr-2020 19:06
We were there today and saw his memorial. Rest in peace. We would have left some flowers but we didnt know of this story til we saw his stone.
Kristen H 20-Apr-2019 11:17
My husband and I will never forget this day as we were both rescuers at the scene of the tragic accident. I was visiting the falls with another friend and we noticed Carol and Garth's possessions at the top of the falls. Seconds later, people were calling for help at the bottom of the falls. My friend and I responded immediately. My husband worked at a rafting company and came with that group of responders. It was a difficult, long rescue taking hours to get Carol out of there. All of us on the rescue were deeply affected by the death of Garth and the entire incident. We are so sorry for your loss and that there was nothing we could do to save him. The memorial means a lot to us and we think of him and those he left behind often.
J&M 04-Sep-2018 02:52
Visited Moxie Falls for the first time in two decades today. Not much has changed, except the memorial to Garth Coon that’s now there. We went home and read about what happened in 2005. So proud of this man’a bravery and sacrifice to help another. Sending strength and love to his family. Hoping they find peace in the years of memories they had with him. <3
Guest 15-Jun-2018 18:47
I went to the falls while staying at the inn by the river.
I saw this and thought, I know a Denny Coon, Went to school with Ginger(RIP)
Naaa, can’t be related. Yup. I wish the family’s involved peace,along with Garth, such a tranquil place, but not to all. I will visit again . And count my blessings.
The man ,although gone, his memory teaches us all.
Amoungst any beauty, dangers lurk.
My condolences mpg class of 88 Chariho
Holly Gordon 10-Mar-2018 09:26
It’s been 13 years dad. We miss you every single day. Even though you didn’t meet your grandchildren, I know deep down inside you had part in picking them out. I love you.
Martha 27-Sep-2016 03:19
A beautiful memorial to Garth. So simple & significant. I hope you who love him keep him alive in your thoughts & hearts.
Guest 22-Jul-2014 18:02
Just went on a family hike and saw this. Almost 9 years after this tragedy happened. Condolences.
Guest 30-Sep-2013 19:40
My girlfriend and I were in Maine last week and one of our stops was at North Country in Bingham. We hiked the waterfall trail near there and noticed the memorial for Garth. It was in such a peaceful location we felt there had to be a story. So being intuitive we googled the name and read all the articles on line. After reading them, I must say we were truly touched by the story. The falls were so beatiful and serene and quite spectaular. Its hard to believe such a tragedy occurred there. We just wanted to send our condelences to the family and friends of Garth. His bravery and compasion will be longed remembered by both of us. May peace find you all!!! Sincerely: Curtis and Dinene, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.
holly 14-Mar-2013 00:01
thank you. I appreciate it. (:
Felicia.<3 17-Jun-2012 23:12
Daddy..I miss you.
Lillian Houghton 26-Apr-2012 21:49
I walked to Moxi falls the other day and saw this tomb stone and looked up and I send my condolences to you Holly and the rest of his surviving family. I am really sorry for your loss.
Holly Gordon 13-Jun-2011 18:26
i miss you dad. <3
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