University of Maine history professor Nathan Godfried had his left leg amputated after a “freak accident” in Passadumkeag on Sunday afternoon, according to police.

Godfried was riding his bicycle on Route 2 when an eight-foot lawnmower blade being towed on a trailer struck his leg. UMaine’s history department chairman Richard Judd told the Bangor Daily News that Godfried’s leg has been amputated since the accident. An Eastern Maine Medical Center confirmed that Godfried is listed in fair condition.

Police say the blade fell from its upright position without the driver’s knowledge and struck Godfried’s leg as the vehicle was attempting to pass. The blade almost severed Godfried’s leg, according to police.

No charges will be filed in connection to the crash, according to Penobscot County Sheriff’s Deputy Ryan Fitch.

“The driver used the factory-installed device, which is made to secure the blade,” Fitch told the Bangor Daily News. “There’s no criminal intent or reckless conduct on [the driver’s] behalf that created this situation.”

Godfried has been teaching history classes at UMaine for 17 years. He is married to fellow history professor Elizabeth McKillen.