WASHINGTON — William Coperthwaite, of Machiasport, died Tuesday afternoon after his van veered off the road and crashed into a tree on Liberty Road (Route 220) in Washington around 12:30.

Knox County Sheriff’s Chief Deputy Tim Carroll said Coperthwaite, 83, was alone in his 2000 Mazda van and traveling south on Route 220 when he lost control, due, in part, to the slippery road conditions.

“It is unknown at this time if any medical condition of the victim was a factor,” said Carroll in a press release Tuesday evening.

The vehicle veered off the road and struck a large rock, which in turn spun the vehicle around and slammed it into a tree on the driver's side.

Coperthwaite was pronounced dead at the scene, said Carroll.

Deputy Paul Spear is the investigator and he has been assisted by Lt. Kirk Guerrette and Deputy Tammi Morrison.

Washington and Liberty Fire Departments and Union Ambulance assisted at the scene.

Editorial Director Holly S. Edwards can be reached at hollyedwards@penbaypilot.com or 706-6655.