Also treated at the hospital were Rodney E. Corey, 21, of Washburn, driver of the second vehicle involved; and his brother, Ivan, 17. Rodney was treated for a foot injury and his younger brother has bruises about the ribs. Both were released after treatment.
The teacher was proceeding on the Washburn road when his 1955 sedan went into a skid, apparently because of slippery road conditions, according to State Police Trooper Barry Libby. The Cunningham vehicle traveled along the edge of a ditch at the right of the road for about 240 feet, then plowed along in the ditch itself for another 192 feet.
The state trooper said Cunningham steered left to counteract the condition, then veered out into the road and into the path of the Corey vehicle which was traveling toward Caribou. Cunningham's car skidded sidewise as he attempted to cut back to the right again and was hit broadside by the Corey 1963 sedan.
Cunningham spun in a half circle after the impact. Doors flew open and he was thrown from his car to the pavement.
Both cars were totally demolished. Corey's vehicle was valued at $900, while valuation on Cunningham's was $250. The accident occurred about five miles from Caribou beyond the Lions Club Picnic Grounds.
[December 1967]