Chesterville man killed in Turner crash

TURNER – A two-vehicle collision on Route 219 resulted in the death of a Chesterville man Monday evening.

According to information released by the Androscoggin County Sheriff’s Office, the investigating agency, the crash occurred Monday at approximately 4:30 p.m. on Route 219, also known as Howes Corner Road. Christopher Tibbetts, 27, of Chesterville, was pronounced dead at the scene.

It appears that Tibbetts’ vehicle, a black 2000 Volkswagen Jetta sedan, was traveling east. Early indications are that Tibbetts lost control of his vehicle and crossed the center line, with the impact occurring in the westbound lane. The second vehicle, a gray 2012 Toyota Tundra pickup owned by Comprehensive Land Technologies of China, was operated by James Wetherell Jr., 30, of Minot.

Both men were the sole occupants of their respective vehicles. Wetherell was transported to Central Maine Medical Center in Lewiston with non-life threatening injuries. He was treated and later released.

Tibbetts was pronounced dead at the scene. He was not wearing a seatbelt.

Both vehicles were totaled in the collision.

First responders, including the ACSO, Turner fire and rescue and Buckfield rescue departments were called to the scene. Maine State Police assisted with crash reconstruction, closing a section of Route 219 between Hammond Road and North River Road for the duration of the investigation.

The crash remains under investigation by the ACSO.