Maine Deaf Community Mourns as Four Members Killed in Mass Shooting

Shooting in Lewiston Targets Weekly Cornhole Tournament, Leaving Tight-Knit Deaf Community Devastated as Colleagues, Friends, and Advocates Among Victims.

Four members of Maine's deaf community - Joshua Seal, William 'Billy' Brackett, Steve Vozzella, and Bryan MacFarlane - were tragically killed in a mass shooting at Schemengees Bar and Grille in Lewiston, where they had been playing in a weekly cornhole tournament.
The victims were active and influential members of their community; Joshua Seal was known for his sign language interpretation during the COVID-19 pandemic, and played a pivotal role in the establishment of the Pine Tree Camp for Deaf and hard-of-hearing children.
William Brackett was a beloved sports enthusiast who, along with his wife, hosted many community events. He was a FedEx package handler and is survived by his wife Kristina and their toddler daughter.
Steve Vozzella worked for the U.S. Postal Service and was a member of the New England Deaf Cornhole. He was remembered as a funny and kind person who was deeply loved by his friends and family.
Bryan MacFarlane held a commercial truck-driving license, a rare accomplishment for a deaf person. He was well-known for regularly lending a hand to anyone in need of help, whether it was yard work or moving.
The tragedy has not only devastated the small, close-knit deaf community in Maine but also grieving families and friends across the U.S., sparking an outpouring of support, including organized donation drives, meal deliveries, and solidarity messages.