Local priest dies after crashing car into tree in West Hartford, police say

An 85-year-old priest has died after he crashed his car into a tree in West Hartford on Wednesday afternoon, police said.

Police received a report that a car went into the woods near Simsbury Road and Tumblebrook Lane around 2:41 p.m. The West Hartford Police Department responded, along with the West Hartford Fire Department and AMR medical personnel.

The driver, later identified as 85-year-old Terence Kristofak, of West Hartford, was the car’s only occupant. Firefighters extricated him from the car before he was taken to a hospital with serious, life-threatening injuries, police said. He was later pronounced dead at the hospital.

Kristofak served as a Passionist priest at the Holy Family Passionist Retreat Center, according to a Facebook post from the church.

“Father Terry had been visiting family and was on his way home at the time of the accident,” the church wrote. “We are filled with grief at the loss of such a kind, loving, and faithful friend. His presence touched the lives of so many, and his passing is a tremendous loss to our community.”

Simsbury Road was closed in both directions between King Edward Road and North Main Street while crews responded. The road has since reopened.

West Hartford police’s traffic division is investigating the crash.

Anyone with information about the crash is asked to contact the West Hartford Police Department at 860-523-5203 or submit an anonymous tip by calling 860-570-8969 or emailing whpdtips@westhartfordct.gov.