Crash claims Presque Isle doctor’s life

BRIDGEWATER – A well-known Presque Isle physician was killed late Monday afternoon when his car crashed on Route 1.

Dr. Naveed Q. Farooki, 55, was driving north about 5:20 p.m. when he apparently fell asleep. His 2000 Mitsubishi failed to negotiate a curve and went off the road into a ditch. The car became airborne before coming to rest on its roof.

Farooki, who was alone in the car, died at the scene. He was wearing a seat belt, according to Stephen McCausland, spokesman for the Maine Department of Public Safety.

Farooki, an otolaryngologist, or ear, nose and throat specialist, graduated from medical school in Pakistan in 1970. He served several internships in the United States and Canada before joining the medical staff at The Aroostook Medical Center in Presque Isle in 1976.

He also was an active member of the clinical staffs at Cary Medical Center in Caribou, Northern Maine Medical Center in Fort Kent, Houlton Regional Hospital and Millinocket Regional Hospital, according to Jack Ginty, TAMC senior vice president of patient services.

“He was highly regarded by his physician peers,” Ginty said Tuesday. “He was blessed with a great sense of humor and had a capacity for treating all … with respect and dignity.”

Ginty described Farooki as an active outdoorsman, an exceptional skier and a wonderful cook.

“We’re going to miss him terribly,” he said. “It’s a big, big hole.”

While no formal counseling sessions have been set up for TAMC staff, Ginty said, those services are available for people who want them.

Farooki is survived by his ex-wife, Jean, who resides in Toledo, Ohio, and three children: a son, Aris, 24, and daughters Aishah, 21, and Aliyah, 16, all of Toledo.

Funeral services will be held today at the Islamic Center of Greater Toledo.

Ginty said TAMC will hold a memorial service for Farooki, but the time and date have not yet been scheduled.