Richard Novak, a 78-year-old resident of Bedford, N.S., recalls his late brother, Kenny, every morning upon hearing a passing train near his apartment. Kenny, along with two other Cape Breton youths, unexpectedly found themselves in Maine in July 1970 after straying from a planned camping trip in Cape Breton Highlands National Park.
The trio, consisting of Kenny, David Burrows (17), and Terry Burt (20), were tragically struck by a train while resting in sleeping bags on a rail track near Houlton, Maine. Novak, who battles Parkinson’s disease and declining health, reflects on the incident daily, pondering the circumstances that led to the devastating collision.
Although the deaths were deemed accidental, Novak desires a fresh investigation into the case despite limited documentation from that era. He seeks closure and hopes to collaborate with individuals in Maine to uncover the truth and bring peace to the situation.
Kenny, the youngest among six boys and one girl in the family, was described as a 5’7″, 145-pound teenager with a passion for collecting comic books, music, skating, swimming, and studying Latin. Novak speculates that the group may have been heading to a concert in the U.S., adding to the mystery surrounding the incident.
The article sheds light on the timeline of events leading up to the tragedy, detailing the youths’ journey from Cape Breton to Maine and their encounter with locals who provided them directions towards the railway tracks. The circumstances and unanswered questions surrounding the case continue to puzzle those involved, including Richard Novak, who is determined to seek justice for his late brother and companions.