Four members of the Deaf community were among the victims of the tragic mass shooting in Lewiston, Maine, a devastating event that took place on October 25, 2023. The attack, which occurred at a bowling alley and later at Schemengees Bar & Grille, claimed the lives of 18 people and left many others injured. (Wikipedia)
At the bar, a group of Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals had gathered for a cornhole tournament—an event meant to bring the community together. Instead, it became the site of unimaginable loss. Four Deaf men—Joshua Seal, Bryan MacFarlane, William “Billy” Brackett, and Stephen Vozzella—were killed during the shooting. (GBH)
This tragedy deeply impacted the tight-knit Deaf community, both locally in Maine and across the United States. Many of the victims were not only friends but also leaders and active members within the Deaf community. Joshua Seal, for example, was widely known as an American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter who played a key role in making public information accessible, especially during critical moments like the COVID-19 pandemic. (WMTW)
Reports indicate that the Lewiston shooting marked one of the most devastating incidents affecting Deaf individuals in U.S. history. The victims had come together for connection and community, highlighting how important such gatherings are for Deaf culture and communication. (Maine Public)
In the aftermath, grief spread quickly, with many Deaf individuals struggling not only with the loss but also with communication barriers during the emergency response. Some advocates pointed out that access to interpreters and timely information was limited, raising concerns about how emergencies are handled for people with disabilities. (The Portland Press Herald)
The loss of these four individuals has left a lasting impact, sparking conversations about accessibility, inclusion, and the need for better protections for Deaf and hard-of-hearing people during crises. Their memory continues to be honored as part of a broader call for awareness and change, ensuring that no community is overlooked in moments of emergency.
