The Maine Office of Public Safety reported that Karl Crute, 79, and his wife Laraine Crute, 79, of Cushing, remain hospitalized following a crash on Route 4 in Sandy River Plantation.

The report said:

“On February 1, 2021, at approximately 8:45 p.m., a gray 2017 Toyota Avalon, driven and occupied by Karl Crute, 79, and his wife Laraine Crute, 79, from Cushing, were traveling north on Route 4 in Sandy River Plantation when a black 2009 Pontiac G6 was traveling south, driven and occupied by Kaylee Knight, 18, of Chesterville and four teenaged passengers.

“The two vehicles struck each other and as a result two of the passengers in the vehicle driven by Knight were killed: Thomas Deckard-Madore, 17, of Strong; and Michaela Morgan, 15, of Phillips. 

“The Crutes, along with one other passenger of the Pontiac, remain hospitalized and are being treated for serious injuries.

“The Maine State Police continue to investigate the crash and causation factors. They were assisted by Franklin County Sheriff’s Department, Rangeley Police Department, Farmington Police Department, Somerset Sheriff’s Office, the Franklin County District Attorney’s Office, and other multiple fire and rescue agencies from the surrounding areas.

“We are saddened by this tragic incident and extend our condolences to the families of everyone involved.”