Speed and alcohol are believed to be factors contributing to a fatal car crash in Whitefield Thursday night.
According to preliminary report from the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, Cory A. Barter, 38, of Wiscasset, was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash, which occurred before 8:30 p.m. Nov. 12.
According to the LCSO, a preliminary investigation has determined Barter was operating a 1997 Saab north on Route 218 when his vehicle crossed the southbound travel lane, entered the southbound shoulder and embankment area where it struck a tree, a little north of the intersection of Route 218 and Thayer Road.
After striking the tree the vehicle continued forward before coming to rest. Barter, whom police say was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash, was ejected from the vehicle. He was the lone occupant of the vehicle according to the LCSO.
The primary investigating officer is Deputy Ryan Chubbuck who was assisted by Sgt. Matthew Day. LCSO Crash Reconstruction Specialist Sgt. Jason Nein is conducting a reconstruction of the crash, assisted by Rsv. Dep. Michael Elwell.
According to the LCSO, a preliminary investigation indicates speed and alcohol were factors in this crash. It is anticipated that additional investigation will confirm causation factors to this crash.
Additionally the State Medical Examiner’s Office in Augusta will determine the exact cause of death and conduct a blood test to confirm if alcohol was a contributing factor.
Members of the Whitefield Fire Department, Wiscasset EMS and Delta Ambulance Service responded to the scene. Route 218 was closed to traffic for nearly two hours while the investigation took place and the scene was cleared.
