Staff Writer
The cause of an accident that killed a local elderly man last week remained under investigation, local police said Monday.
Killed in the accident was Leo Ruest, 76. The accident happened Wednesday, Nov. 28, at about 1 p.m. on U.S. Route 1 near the road’s intersection with south Main Street near the Caribou Inn and Convention Center.
According to police, another motorist, Joyce Knorr, 56, of Caribou was in a 2007 GMC, which was parked on the side of Route 1. She had stopped in the northbound lane to use her cell phone.
Ruest, who was also traveling north in a 2003 Chevrolet Cavelier, veered off the road and struck the rear of Knorr’s vehicle, according to police. Ruest died at the scene, police said.
Investigating Officer Kevin St. Peter said Monday that the reason for the accident remains unknown.
A possible heart attack suffered by Ruest has been ruled out, St. Peter said.
Knorr was treated for minor injuries at Cary Medical Center and later released, according to police.
Ruest’s vehicle was considered a total loss and Knorr’s vehicle received extensive damage.
Assisting St. Peter in the investigation was Maine State Police and Caribou Fire and Ambulance.
