Beloved West Hartford Priest Killed In Car Crash Wednesday: UPDATE

WEST HARTFORD, CT — The Holy Family Passionist Retreat Center in West Hartford is mourning the death on Wednesday of a beloved priest who lived there.

The 85-year-old clergyman was killed Wednesday after the vehicle he was driving left the roadway and struck a tree on Simsbury Road, according to the West Hartford Police Department.

Police identified the driver as Terence Kristofak, 85, of West Hartford. He was later pronounced dead at the hospital.

In a message to the community Wednesday evening, Fr. David Cinquegrani, retreat director, identified Kristofak as Father Terry Kristofak and said he had been "visiting a family and was on his way home at the time of the accident."

"It is with profound sorrow that I share the heartbreaking news that our beloved Father Terry Kristofak died in a car accident this afternoon in West Hartford," Cinquegrani 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."

Cinquegrani asked for prayers for Father Terry's family, friends, and the Passionist community, adding that information about funeral and memorial services will be shared once arrangements have been made.

West Hartford police, firefighters, and American Medical Response personnel were dispatched at about 2:21 p.m. Wednesday, July 1, to the area of Simsbury Road and Tumblebrook Lane after receiving reports of a vehicle that had crashed into the woods.

Firefighters extricated the driver, who was the vehicle's sole occupant, before he was transported to a hospital with life-threatening injuries.

The West Hartford Police Department's Traffic Division is investigating the crash.

Police thanked the West Hartford Fire Department and AMR for their response to the incident.

Anyone with information related to the crash is asked to contact the West Hartford Police Department at (860) 523-5203 or submit an anonymous tip through the department's tip line at (860) 570-8969 or by email at whpdtips@westhartfordct.gov.