Issue date: 1/24/08 Section: News

Adam Baxter

A grand jury in Portland indicted two University of Maine students on Jan. 11 for their involvement in a party that resulted in the alcohol-related death of 19-year-old UMaine soccer player Adam Baxter.

UMaine student Anthony Lord, 21, has been charged with furnishing alcohol to a minor, resulting in death, as well as three misdemeanor counts of furnishing alcohol to minors.

Baxter's former teammate on the UMaine Black Bear soccer team, Sean Meehan, 19, has been charged with the Class C crime of furnishing a place for minors to consume alcohol and two counts of the same crime on a Class D level.

Authorities and prosecutors believe Lord provided the alcohol for minors at the party in a Portland residence, including the drinks that led to Baxter's death. They also say Meehan hosted the party at his parents' home, which led to the charges against him.

Medical examiners previously stated that Baxter's death was alcohol-related. More toxicology tests have been done out of state.

First responders arrived at the Meehan home early in the morning on Nov. 24 in response to a call that someone was having difficulty breathing. They found Baxter at the residence, unconscious and unresponsive. They pronounced him dead at the scene.

Baxter was originally from Britain but came to UMaine, where he became one of the University soccer team's most promising athletes. He was ranked third on the team as a freshman and garnered 2007 America East All-Rookie Team honors.

Meehan could face up to five years in jail and a $5,000 fine for the Class C charge. The two lesser charges could bring one year in jail and a fine of up to $2,000 for each count.

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