WEST GARDINER — A resident of Stockton Springs was killed as a result of a three-vehicle crash Saturday, Sept. 24, 2022, At approximately 11:50 a.m., Maine State Police responded to a three-vehicle fatal crash at mile 104 northbound on the Turnpike in West Gardiner. Because of old information at the time of the crash, early press releases by the Maine State Police identified the Stockton Springs residents as residing in Stonington.

This crash was ultimately caused by traffic slowing in the area due to a previous crash at mile 107, which was reported at 11:11 a.m., according to MPS, in a news release.

Initial investigation of the second crash shows a 2014 BMW driven by William Stevenson, 53, of Stockton Springs, was struck in the rear by either a 2016 Chevy Malibu or a 2021 Jeep Wrangler. Stevenson was pronounced at the scene. In the BMW with Stevenson was a female passenger, Tina Adams, 54, of Stockton Springs. 

The Chevy Malibu was driven by Jeffrey Royster, 57, of West Gardiner, and the Jeep was driven by Laura Stanley, 51, of Wells. Adams and Stanley were taken to Maine General Health Hospital with non-life threatening injuries. The crash investigation is still ongoing at this point.

The Turnpike was shut down for approximately 2 hours for the investigation. Assisting the Maine State Police was the West Gardiner Fire Department, and personnel of the Maine Turnpike Authority. The crash did not involve any alcohol or drug impairment, according to the release.

The drivers involved in the initial crash were Rahjine Waller, 23, of Roslindale, Massachusetts, who was operating a 2022 maroon Kia SUV, and Timothy Callaghan, 35, of St. John New Brunswick, who was operating a 2016 black Mazda SUV.

The initial investigation shows Waller was traveling in the passing lane when she moved to the right lane and then rear-ended Callaghan, who also moved into the right lane. The investigation shows both drivers were traveling at a high rate of speed. Both drivers suffered only minor injuries.