“Natasha Thoits, 28, Killed in Early Morning Lewiston Crash into Residence”
In the early hours of Wednesday, May 21, 2025, a tragedy unfolded in Lewiston, Maine, that claimed the life of 28-year-old Natasha Thoits and left a community grappling with grief. At approximately 4:15 a.m., a 2017 BMW careened off Webster Street and slammed into a single-family home at 816 Webster Street, shattering the quiet of the residential neighborhood. The violent collision left the vehicle embedded in the structure, trapping its occupants and prompting a swift response from emergency services. Thoits, a passenger in the car, was pronounced dead at the scene after rescuers worked to free her from the wreckage. Her death has sent ripples of sorrow through Lewiston, where she was known as a vibrant member of the community.
The driver, a 25-year-old Lewiston resident named Blaze Small, sustained minor injuries in the crash. Another passenger, whose identity has not been disclosed, was transported to Central Maine Medical Center with injuries that authorities described as non-life-threatening. A fourth occupant of the vehicle fled the scene on foot before police arrived, leaving investigators with unanswered questions about their role in the incident. Authorities have not yet released information about potential charges or the identity of the individual who fled, but the Lewiston Police Department’s Accident Reconstruction Team is actively working to piece together the events leading up to the crash.
Preliminary findings from the investigation point to speed and impairment as significant factors in the collision. The BMW, described as a high-performance model, was traveling at a high rate of speed when it lost control, veering off the road and into the home. Police have indicated that impairment, possibly involving alcohol or drugs, may have contributed to the driver’s inability to maintain control of the vehicle. The exact circumstances, including whether the driver was under the influence at the time, are still under scrutiny as part of the ongoing investigation. Toxicology reports and further analysis of the crash scene are expected to provide additional clarity in the coming days.
The impact on the single-family home was significant, with the vehicle causing structural damage that left the residence uninhabitable until repairs can be made. Fortunately, no injuries were reported among the occupants of the home, though the emotional toll of having their residence struck by a vehicle in the dead of night cannot be understated. Neighbors described the sound of the crash as a deafening boom, with some initially mistaking it for an explosion. The incident has raised concerns among residents about road safety on Webster Street, a residential thoroughfare not typically associated with high-speed traffic.
Lewiston, a tight-knit community, is no stranger to tragedy, but the loss of Natasha Thoits has struck a particularly poignant chord. Friends and family have begun sharing tributes on social media, remembering her as a kind-hearted individual with a bright smile and a generous spirit. A makeshift memorial of flowers and candles has appeared near the crash site, a testament to the impact she had on those around her. Community leaders have called for support for Thoits’ family, as well as for renewed efforts to address issues of reckless driving and impaired driving in the area.
The Lewiston Police Department is urging anyone with information about the crash or the individual who fled the scene to come forward. Detective Aaron Schmitz has been named as the point of contact for tips, and authorities are hopeful that witnesses or surveillance footage from nearby homes may provide critical details. As the investigation continues, the community is left to mourn a senseless loss and reflect on the fragility of life. For now, the focus remains on supporting those affected and seeking answers to prevent such a tragedy from happening again.
