2 Women Died in a Caratunk Crash after a Bump by Friend’s Vehicle

Two women are dead after a crash in Caratunk that occurred when their vehicle was bumped by a friend's pickup.

25-year-old Jordan Merchant of Eastbrook and her passenger, 28-year-old Lindsey Walsh of Lakeville, Massachusetts were part of a group of friends who had been swimming in the Forks earlier in the day. They were headed to a hockey game in Moscow when the crash happened.

Somerset County Sheriff's Deputies responded to the scene on Route 201 in Caratunk at about 5:00 Saturday evening and found that the two women were deceased. According to the Morning Sentinel, a pickup driven by Eric Tankerley, 33, of Moscow was traveling behind the vehicle being driven by Merchant. It appears that Tankerley attempted to pass Merchant's vehicle when his pickup made brief contact with hers, causing Merchant to lose control of her car, which left the roadway and struck some trees. Tankerley was also part of the group that had been swimming together.

Officials say speed and alcohol appear to have been factors in the crash, which remains under investigation. It's unclear, at this point, whether any charges will be filed.