Maine Man Dies after Drunken Golf Cart Accident, Westford Driver Could Face Additional Charges

The passenger who was left seriously injured after a Westford man allegedly drove a golf cart while drunk in Maine last weekend died Monday night, according to a press release from the Cumberland County Sheriff's Office in Maine. 

John MacKay, 52, of Sanford, Maine died after suffering life threatening head injuries from when he fell out of a moving golf cart at the Maine Point Sebago Outdoor Resort in Casco, Maine on Saturday. 

Westford man and driver Gary Belinsky, 59, who was charged Saturday with operating under the influence, could face more serious charges. He was released on $300 bail Sunday morning. 

Whether he faces more charges is up to the county district attorney, Capt. Shawn O’Leary, of the Cumberland County Sherriff’s Department, told The Lowell Sun. The case detective is considering aggravated OUI – a Class C felony in Maine. 

O’Leary told the Sun manslaughter could be a potential charge, but it is still not clear what led to MacKay falling out of the cart, which was going no faster than 10 mph.

“This was just a tragic accident,” O’Leary told the Sun. “I’ve been in law enforcement for over 26 years, and I’ve never seen a golf cart fatality.” 

The Cumberland County District Attorney's Office is awaiting paperwork from the Sheriff's Department, said Tami Getchell, spokeswoman for the Cumberland County District Attorney. The prosecutor assigned to the case will decide whether to bring additional charges against Belinsky in coming weeks. 

This article has been updated and was originally posted at 2 p.m. Tuesday, July 30.