Abigail Holman, 45, Maine legislator

April 08, 2007|Associated Press

CARRABASSETT VALLEY, Maine -- State Representative Abigail Holman of Fayette, a first-term legislator who had long been a familiar figure in the State House, died yesterday in a skiing accident at Sugarloaf USA.

Ms. Holman was participating in an annual fund-raising ski race when the accident occurred, Sugarloaf spokesman Bill Swain said. Ms. Holman, who was 45, was pronounced dead at Sugarloaf's first aid clinic.

She had just completed a run and was skiing out of the finish corral when she struck a tree, Swain said. No other skier was involved.

A Republican, Ms. Holman was serving her first term in the House representing District 83. She was a member of the committees on Judiciary, and Legal and Veterans Affairs.

Ms. Holman, an attorney, was legal counsel and legislative director for Governor John McKernan during his administration. Later, as executive director of the Maine Forest Products Council, Ms. Holman advocated for the industry in the State House. She was also active in local government.

Governor John Baldacci said he had known Ms. Holman since her days in McKernan's administration. Baldacci called her "a tremendous political force."

"She was a dedicated public servant and always worked hard for the people of Maine. Her family is in our hearts and prayers during this terrible time," Baldacci said in a statement yesterday evening.

Ms. Holman's life was touched by tragedy in 2005 when her husband, Andrew Weegar, died when he fell from a tractor and became trapped under one of its rear wheels. Weegar, who was 41, was a writer and part-time farmer.

Ms. Holman leaves a daughter.