WASHINGTON, Maine — Slippery road conditions were cited as a factor in a single-vehicle crash Tuesday afternoon that claimed the life of an 83-year-old Machiasport man.
The victim, who was pronounced dead at the accident scene, has been identified as William Coperthwaite, Chief Deputy Timothy Carroll of the Knox County Sheriff’s Office said in a news release.
According to Carroll, the accident happened about 12:30 p.m. on Route 220, also known as Liberty Road. Coperthwaite was traveling south when he lost control of his vehicle, due, in part, to the slippery road conditions.
The vehicle veered off the road and struck a large rock. The vehicle then spun around and slammed into a tree on the driver’s side.
It is not yet known if a medical condition was a factor, Carroll said.
Coperthwaite was traveling alone when the accident happened, Carroll said.
The crash remains under investigation by Deputy Paul Spear, who is being assisted by Lt. Kirk Guerrette and Deputy Tammi Morrison.
Members of the Washington and Liberty fire departments and ambulance personnel from Union assisted at the scene.