It will be perhaps weeks before the cause of Boothbay Harbor Coast Guard Chief Boatswain's Mate David L. Smith's death can be determined, according to the state's Medical Examiner's office in Augusta.

Chief Smith, 31, was killed in an early morning, single car accident on Route 144, near the southern portion of the Westport Island Bridge Sunday morning, October 21. His car entered a curve on the northbound lane, entered a ditch and struck a tree. He was the only occupant in the car, and he was pronounced dead at the scene.

Lincoln County Deputies determined that Chief Smith was wearing his seatbelt at the time of the accident, and believe he was returning home prior to the crash. However an investigation is underway to learn where Chief Smith was prior to the accident, to determine if any of those actions contributed to the cause of the crash.

Although there is no information at this time to suspect that drugs or alcohol were a factor in the accident, the state medical examiner's office will do blood tests to determine if they were. According to the Lincoln County Sheriff's Department, this type of testing is routine in all fatal motor vehicle accidents.

Lincoln County Deputy Sheriff Mark Bridgham is the primary investigator, assisted by Sgt. Brendan Kane. Crash Reconstruction Specialist Sgt. Jason Nien is conducting a reconstruction of the accident as well.

Members of the Westport Island and Wiscasset Fire Departments along with the Wiscasset Ambulance Service responded to the accident.

The Deputy Commander of the Coast Guard Sector Northern New England, Commander Michael Ryan, issued a statement in the Coast Guard News early this week which said, "The Coast Guard is grieving the loss of Chief Smith, who was a sea-going professional and had a profound impact on the crew of Station Boothbay Harbor, and many others he encountered during his career. We are working diligently to be sure our personnel have the right support and resources to help them cope with this tragedy."