HODGDON – Police are investigating the cause of a Route 1 car accident that left an Amity woman dead.

Lisa Lycette, 41, died early Friday morning when her 1998 Grand Prix struck a tree, Sgt. Mike Berube of the Aroostook County Sheriff’s Department, said Friday.

“As best we can figure, she was not wearing a seat belt,” he said.

Police reported Lycette was traveling north on Route 1 in Hodgdon before the accident.

“For some reason unknown at this time, she lost control of the vehicle and struck a big elm tree broadside,” the sergeant said.

The tree was located on the side of the road near the northbound lane. Berube said that when Lycette’s car hit the tree, the driver-side doors were smashed in.

Police received an emergency call on the accident at approximately 1:19 a.m. Deputy Vance Palmer went to the scene. He was assisted by Berube.

The Houlton Fire Department also was called to assist the deputy. “They used the Jaws of Life to remove the victim,” Berube said.

Trooper Rob Flynn of the Maine State Police was at the scene to reconstruct the accident.

Berube said the cause of the accident had not been confirmed. As standard procedure, blood tests were being performed. No determination of cause will be made until the Sheriff’s Department receives the reconstructionist’s report.