WEST HARTFORD, CT — An 85-year-old priest died after his car left the road and struck a tree in West Hartford on Wednesday afternoon, according to police. Officers said the driver was the vehicle’s only occupant and was later pronounced dead at a hospital.
The crash happened near Simsbury Road and Tumblebrook Lane around 2:41 p.m. after a report that a vehicle had gone into the woods. Police, firefighters and emergency medical personnel responded to the scene.
What do police say happened at the scene?
West Hartford police said firefighters had to extricate the driver from the car before he was taken to the hospital with serious, life-threatening injuries. Despite treatment, he later died.
Authorities identified the driver as Terence Kristofak, who lived in West Hartford.
Who was Terence Kristofak?
Kristofak served as a Passionist priest at the Holy Family Passionist Retreat Center, according to a post from the church on Facebook. The church said he had been visiting family and was on his way home when the crash occurred.
The post described him as a kind and faithful presence in the community and said his death was a tremendous loss for people who knew him.
How did the crash affect traffic nearby?
Simsbury Road was shut down in both directions between King Edward Road and North Main Street while crews worked at the crash scene. Police said the roadway has since reopened to traffic.
The closure came as investigators documented the scene and emergency crews cleared the damaged vehicle from the wooded area.
What happens next in the investigation?
West Hartford police said their traffic division is investigating the crash. At this point, officials have not released additional details about what caused the vehicle to leave the roadway.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the West Hartford Police Department at 860-523-5203 or submit an anonymous tip by phone at 860-570-8969 or by email at whpdtips@westhartfordct.gov.
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