FORT KENT – Police say that speed was a factor in a crash early Saturday morning that claimed the life of a local man.

Police Chief Kenneth Michaud said the accident that killed John R. “J.R” Boucher II, 24, took place just after 1:40 a.m.

According to the chief, Boucher was alone in his 1995 Ford pickup truck when he came upon a slight curve on South Perley Brook Road.

He was alone in the vehicle.

Boucher careened off the roadway and the vehicle struck two culverts before coming to rest on its side.

Boucher, who was not wearing a seat belt, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Michaud indicated that speed was a factor, adding that Boucher might have survived if he had been wearing a seat belt.

The vehicle was destroyed.

The Fort Kent Fire and Rescue Department and Maine State Police assisted at the scene.