Libson Fire Lieutenant Killed In Preston Crash: State Police

PRESTON, CT — A Lisbon fire lieutenant was killed in a crash Sunday evening on Route 164 in Preston, according to state police.

In a news release, state police said Matthew Babcock, 39, of Libson, was driving his Dodge Ram north around 5 p.m. when he lost control of the truck around a right curvature, slid into the southbound lane and hit a Toyota Camry.

The crash caused the Dodge Ram to overturn into a ditch, where it came to rest on its roof partially submerged in a creek, state police said.

Babcock sustained fatal injuries as a result of the crash, according to state police. The driver and passenger of the Toyota Camry sustained non-life threatening injuries and were taken to a hospital for treatment.

Route 164 was closed for approximately six hours due to the crash, state police said. Both the state police CARS unit and the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection responded to help with the investigation while the Department of Transportation assisted with traffic control.

State police also noted the crash remains under investigation and anyone with information is asked to contact Trooper Christopher Brett #691 with Troop E at 860-848-6500.

In a Facebook post Monday announcing Babcock's death, the Libson Fire Department noted he leaves behind a wife and three kids, as well as "all his sports kids."

"Matt was a dedicated member of the department for the past 12 years, involved in the planning and running of the annual Santa Run, Easter Bunny Parade, fire prevention and parading his love of the department Tanker 154, as well as the new fire station," the department said on Facebook.

The department also noted Babcock was dedicated and involved in area youth sports leagues, as well as events for Lisbon schools and Griswold High School.

Details for services will be announced at a later date, according to the department.

The department has also established a GoFundMe campaign to help support Babcock's family, which has already received over 60 donations and raised more than $5,000 as of Monday evening.

"Matt leaves behind a wife and three kids," the campaign's description reads. "Matt was well-involved in the area sports league and schools. Any support for the family will be welcomed as they navigate this difficult time."