OAKLAND — Police have identified the man who died as a result of a car accident Thursday on Kennedy Memorial Drive that sent three people to the hospital.

Joseph Gerard, 79, of Oakland, was in the Chrysler PT Cruiser that was hit by a drifting Mazda3 around 10:30 a.m. Thursday in front of the new Dunkin’ Donuts restaurant. He died after being taken to the hospital, said Oakland police Capt. Rick Stubbert.

Stubbert said he thinks Gerard was driving the Chrysler when the crash happened.

The person driving a Mazda3 toward Oakland fell asleep at the wheel and crossed over the centerline, crashing into the Chrysler, which was heading toward Waterville. Another elderly man also was in the Chrysler, police said.

All three were taken to local hospitals with what were originally reported as minor injuries. Both cars were determined to be totaled losses and towed or hauled away.

Stubbert said he didn’t know the extent of Gerard’s injuries or the cause of his death.

Police are investigating the crash in light of Gerard’s death, Stubbert said.

Madeline St. Amour — 861-9239

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Twitter: @madelinestamour