CUSHING — Police say speed and alcohol were factors in a vehicle crash that claimed the life of a Friendship man early Saturday morning.

Elliot Montgomery, 29, of Friendship was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash that occurred at 1:30 a.m. on Cushing Road, also known as Route 97, according to a news release from Knox County Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy Tim Carroll.

Montgomery was driving the 2003 Dodge pickup truck south on Route 97 when he lost control of the vehicle and it traveled about 160 feet off the roadway through small trees and brush. The truck rolled many times and landed on its roof.

Montgomery was partially ejected from the vehicle, according to Carroll.

The only passenger, Frederick Ames Jr., 31, also of Friendship was taken to Pen Bay Medical Center in Rockport by Cushing Rescue. Ames suffered injuries that were not considered life-threatening, according to Carroll.

Evidence at the scene showed speed and alcohol are believed to be factors in the crash, he said. Carroll said that while a specific speed has not been determined, the truck was going extremely fast. The speed limit is 45 miles per hour on that stretch.

He had been coming from Rockland, the chief deputy said.

Deputy Matt Elwell is the lead investigator, assisted by Sgt. John Palmer and Deputy John Hansen.

Cushing Fire and Warren Fire assisted at the scene.

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