A Wisconsin man is set to be sentenced after prosecutors say he struck an 87-year-old grandfather with his SUV while the victim was sitting on a tractor after mowing his church’s lawn, then fled the scene and allegedly attempted to hide evidence of the crash.
Matthew Brennecke, 50, has been charged with hit-and-run involving death in connection with the death of Allan Eighmy, 87, according to Waukesha County court records.
Brennecke is scheduled to appear in court on Monday for a plea and sentencing hearing after unexpectedly asking to be sentenced during a recent bail hearing, a move that reportedly surprised the judge, prosecutors, and Eighmy’s family.
Crash Happened After Church Lawn Work
According to investigators, the fatal collision occurred on July 14, 2025, near Allen Road and Orchard Circle in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin.
Authorities said Eighmy had just finished mowing the lawn at his church using a Kubota tractor. After completing the work, he remained seated on the tractor when a black Volvo XC90 allegedly driven by Brennecke struck him.
The impact left the elderly man critically injured.
Victim Died Two Days Later
Emergency responders transported Eighmy to a nearby hospital following the collision.
Authorities said he later suffered two strokes related to the injuries sustained in the crash and died two days later.
Prosecutors Say Driver Left the Scene
According to investigators, Brennecke drove away without stopping to help the victim or report the collision.
Prosecutors allege that after leaving the scene, he destroyed his cellphone and attempted to conceal the damaged SUV.
During a court hearing, Waukesha County Court Commissioner David Herring said the Volvo had sustained extensive damage, with vehicle parts scattered across the roadway.
Prosecutor J.J. Crawford also told the court that Brennecke allegedly covered the SUV with a camouflage tarp and placed tree branches over it to make it blend into the surrounding wooded area.
Public Helped Locate Suspect
Three days after the crash, investigators asked the public for help locating Brennecke and the black Volvo XC90.
Authorities located and arrested him later that same day.
According to investigators, Brennecke admitted he had “clipped the tractor” but claimed he left because he was scared.
Defendant Faces Up to 25 Years
Brennecke remains charged with hit-and-run involving death, a felony offense that carries a maximum sentence of 25 years in prison.
His sentencing hearing is scheduled for next week.
Family Remembers Beloved Grandfather
According to his obituary, Allan Eighmy is survived by two daughters, siblings, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
His family remembered him as someone who genuinely enjoyed talking with people and had an extraordinary ability to connect with everyone he met.
The obituary described him as a man known for sharing jokes and stories that brought laughter to others, leaving lasting memories wherever he went.
Brennecke has been charged in the case, and the allegations against him will be resolved through the court proceedings.
