By Kathy Onorato
Walter Crosman of Wiscasset died in this crash on Route 1 in Woolwich on Feb. 11. The accident closed a portion of Route 1 for nearly four hours. (Photo courtesy Sagadahoc County Sheriff’s Office) |
A three-car accident on Route 1 in Woolwich Feb. 11 claimed the life of Walter Crosman, 45, of Wiscasset, and sent a Boothbay teen to the hospital with serious injuries.
The Sagadahoc County Sheriff’s Office responded to the accident scene, near the Taste of Maine restaurant, just after 6:30 p.m.
According to witnesses, a 1997 Jeep Wrangler, driven by Crosman, was traveling north on Route 1 and attempted to pass Jennifer Blackwell, 25, of Brunswick operating a 2002 Toyota, on the right hand side.
While attempting the pass on the right, Crosman hit Blackwell, which forced his Jeep Wrangler into the southbound lane where it collided with a 2002 Toyota sedan, operated by Emma Leonard, 17, of Boothbay.
Crosman was pronounced dead at the scene. Leonard was transported to Maine Medical Center by Bath Rescue with serious, but non-life threatening injuries, according to Merry. Blackwell was not injured in the crash.
“We are not sure why Mr. Crosman was attempting to pass the other vehicle,” Merrty said in a press release. “There is no apparent reason why the driver did what he did.”
“The accident remains under investigation and it could be several days before deputies can piece together the actions leading up to the accident,” Merry said.
According to Brett Strout, chief deputy of Sagadahoc County Sheriff’s Office, the accident caused a complete closure of a portion of Route 1 for nearly four hours.
The accident is being investigated by Sagadahoc County Sheriff’s Deputy Mark Anderson and a re-constructionist from the Bath Police Department.