New Sweden girl killed in car crash

WOODLAND – A 7-year-old New Sweden girl was killed Friday afternoon when the car in which she was a passenger collided with an oncoming truck on Route 161.

Marissa Lloyd Forbes was pronounced dead at Cary Medical Center, where she was taken after the 4:20 p.m. accident that occurred just south of the intersection with Capital Hill Road.

Police said Forbes was traveling in a vehicle operated by Renee Lichterman, 22, of New Sweden.

Lichterman lost control of her northbound 1997 Mercury Grand Marquis on the ice-covered road, according to a prepared statement issued by Sgt. Forrest Dudley of the Aroostook County Sheriff’s Department. Dudley said Lichterman’s vehicle skidded across the highway and struck an oncoming pickup truck driven by Gerald Pelletier, 51, of Fort Kent. Pelletier was unable to avoid striking Lichterman’s car on the passenger side, according to the sergeant.

Crystal Forbes, 1, also a passenger in Lichterman’s vehicle, was treated at Cary Medical Center and was later released. Crystal is the daughter of Lichterman and Daniel Forbes. Marissa was the daughter of Daniel Forbes. All adult passengers and Marissa were wearing their seat belts. The infant was restrained in a child safety seat.

Lichterman was taken to Cary Medical Center and later flown to Eastern Maine Medical Center in Bangor. She was reported to be in critical condition Sunday.

Pelletier and his passenger, wife Sandra Pelletier, were taken to the local hospital by a private vehicle, according to police. Gerald Pelletier was treated for minor injuries and was later released.

Lichterman’s vehicle and Pelletier’s 2006 GMC Sierra pickup were demolished.

Lead investigator is Deputy Larry Goff. Trooper Corey Hafford of the Maine State Police is reconstructing the accident. Deputies also were assisted by Caribou Fire and Rescue.