HOPE — Cameron Dow of Hope sustained serious facial injuries Wednesday afternoon when he swerved to avoid a downed tree in the road on Alford Lake Road, went off the road and his sport utility vehicle rolled multiple times.

Dow, 20, was driving a 2014 Land Rover Ranger around 1:30 p.m. when he attempted to avoid a tree that came down in the road due to the weather, according to Knox County Sheriff’s Chief Deputy Tim Carroll. Dow lost control on the shoulder, went off the road and rolled over a couple of times before striking a tree, according to Carroll.

Carroll said that speed was a contributing factor in the crash.

A passenger, Riley Francis, 18, of Fayette, sustained minor injuries in the crash.

Both Dow and Francis were transported by ambulance to Pen Bay Medical Center in Rockport, with Dow being transferred to Maine Medical Center in Portland due to the extent of his injuries.

Hope Fire Department was assisted at the scene by Rockport firefighters, who brought extrication equipment to remove Dow from the sport utility vehicle. Also at the scene with the Sheriff’s deputies were Union Ambulance and Sterling Ambulance.

Editorial Director Holly S. Edwards can be reached at hollyedwards@penbaypilot.com or 706-6655.