Driver May Have Fallen Asleep Before Hitting Pedestrian

The driver of a vehicle that struck and killed a pedestrian in the town of Poland may have fallen asleep.

The Portland Press Herald reports the accident happened at around 7:30 Wednesday morning on Route 26. An SUV driven by 52-year-old Grace Sleeper of Oxford left the roadway just north of Starry Night Drive and hit the pedestrian. The vehicle went on to hit the side of the driveway, where it became airborne, missing a utility pole, mailbox, and fence before landing in the woods some 70 feet away.

The accident killed 47-year-old Richard Knox, who had been staying with friends in Poland. Sleeper suffered non-life threatening injuries and was treated and released at a Lewiston hospital.

Police continue to investigate the accident but say it appears Sleeper may have fallen asleep as she drove home from work. Alcohol does not appear to have been a factor in the crash.