CLINTON -- A 30-year-old Canaan man died Thursday afternoon after the car he was in struck a tree on Route 23.

Clinton police Sgt. Craig Johnson said it was unclear who was driving the 1999 Pontiac that went out of control just before 3 p.m., killing Paul Elliott, 30, of Canaan, and seriously injuring William Rigdon, 22, of Glen St. Mary, Fla.

Johnson said the car was traveling west "at a high rate of speed," went out of control and across a front lawn, landing about 30 feet away from the road in some thick woods.

"The car came to rest on the driver's side," he said.

Ellliott was thrown from the vehicle and killed instantly, Johnson said.

Rigdon was "conscious but not very coherent" after the crash, Johnson said.

A witness reported that Rigdon had crawled out of the car, the sergeant said.

He said Rigdon was stabilized and taken to MaineGeneral Medical Center, Thayer Unit.

A report on Rigdon's condition was not immediately available.

Johnson said Thursday evening the investigation of the accident was not yet complete.

"Speed is definitely a factor," he said. He was uncertain whether the men were wearing seat belts.

Clinton police were assisted by Madison police Officer David Savage, who reconstructed the accident scene, as well as Maine State Police Trooper Darren Foster and Somerset County Sheriff's Deputy Michael Ross.

Police shut down part of Route 23, known also as the Canaan Road, between Hinckley Road and Gustafson Road.

Christina Sobran -- 861-9248

csobran@centralmaine.com