A Wiscasset man died after the car he was driving Thursday night in Whitefield struck a tree. Cory A. Barter, 38, was not wearing a seat bellt and was thrown from the car. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

The Lincoln County Communications Center received a 9-1-1 call at 8:29 p.m. Nov. 12 reporting a traffic crash on Route 218, also known as Wiscasset Road, north of its intersection with Thayer Road in Whitefield.

A preliminary investigation has determined that Barter was driving a 1997 Saab north on Route 218. Just north of the Route 218 and Thayer Road intersection, the car crossed the southbound travel lane, entered the southbound shoulder and embankment area where it struck a tree. After striking the tree, the vehicle continued forward, and Barter was ejected before the car finally stopped.

Barter was alone in the car when the crash occurred.

The primary investigating officer, Deputy Ryan Chubbuck is being assisted by Sgt. Matthew Day. Crash reconstruction specialist Sgt. Jason Nein, assisted by Reserve Dep. Michael Elwell, is reconstructing the accident.

It appears speed and alcohol were factors in the crash. It is anticipated that additional investigation by the Sheriff’s Office will confirm causation factors.  The State Medical Examiner’s Office in Augusta will determine the exact cause of death and test Barter’s blood 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.