An 85-year-old priest from West Hartford has died following a single-vehicle crash on Wednesday afternoon, according to police.
Terence “Father Terry” Kristofak was driving on Simsbury Road near Tumblebrook Lane, close to Aiken Elementary School, when his car left the roadway and struck a tree in a wooded area. West Hartford police said the crash was reported at approximately 2:20 p.m.
Officers from the West Hartford Police Department responded to the scene along with the West Hartford Fire Department and an American Medical Response ambulance crew. Firefighters worked to free Kristofak from his vehicle, as he was the only occupant inside at the time of the crash. He was taken to a nearby hospital with what police initially described as serious and life-threatening injuries.
Later Wednesday evening, authorities confirmed that Kristofak had succumbed to his injuries. Police have not released a cause for the crash, and no other vehicles were reported to have been involved. The road in the area was closed for a period of time on Wednesday afternoon as crews worked the scene and investigators began gathering information.
Beloved Figure at Holy Family Retreat Center
Kristofak served as a priest at the Holy Family Passionist Retreat Center in West Hartford. According to the retreat center, he had spent Wednesday visiting a family and was on his way home when the crash occurred.
Father David Cinquegrani, another priest at the retreat center, shared news of Kristofak’s death with the community that evening, describing the loss as heartbreaking and expressing sorrow on behalf of the Passionist Community.
He asked for prayers for Kristofak’s family and friends during this difficult time and said further details about the funeral and memorial arrangements would be shared once they are finalized.
Members of the West Hartford community and those connected to the retreat center have expressed grief over the loss of a man remembered as warm, devoted and deeply engaged with the people he served.
Tributes have highlighted his decades of pastoral work and the impact he had on those who knew him through the retreat center and beyond.
The West Hartford Police Department’s Traffic Division is leading the investigation into the crash. Officials have thanked the fire department and AMR for their assistance at the scene.
Investigation Continues as Police Seek Information
Police have not yet released additional details about what may have caused Kristofak to leave the roadway. Investigators are continuing to examine the scene and gather evidence as part of their standard process for fatal traffic crashes.
Anyone who witnessed the crash or has information that could assist investigators is asked to contact the West Hartford Police Department directly at 860-523-5203. Tips can also be submitted anonymously through the department’s tip line at 860-570-8969 or by email at whpdtips@westhartfordct.gov.
This is a developing story, and updates are expected as police release more information about the circumstances surrounding the crash and how Kristofak will be remembered by his community.
