An 87-year-old man, Allan Eighmy, was struck on July 14, 2025, while seated on his Kubota tractor in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, and died two days later. Authorities say 50-year-old Matthew Brennecke fled the scene, destroyed his phone and hid the damaged black Volvo XC90 under a camouflage tarp and branches. Police arrested Brennecke after a public appeal produced tips; he reportedly admitted to "clipping the tractor" and faces up to 25 years. His request for early sentencing reportedly surprised the family.
Man Accused of Abandoning 87-Year-Old After Hit-and-Run, Concealing Damaged SUV in Woods
Nick McMullen/GoFundMe & Oconomowoc Police Department
An 87-year-old Wisconsin man who had just finished mowing his church lawn was struck in a hit-and-run that prosecutors say was followed by an apparent effort to hide the crash.
Nick McMullen/GoFundMe
Waukesha County court records identify the victim as Allan Eighmy and the accused driver as 50-year-old Matthew Brennecke. The collision occurred on July 14, 2025, near Allen Road and Orchard Circle in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, when a black Volvo XC90 reportedly struck Eighmy while he remained seated on his Kubota tractor.
Nick McMullen/GoFundMe
Authorities allege Brennecke did not stop to render aid. Instead, investigators say he destroyed his cellphone, fled the scene, and later concealed the damaged SUV by covering it with a camouflage tarp and piling branches over it in nearby woods.
Nick McMullen/GoFundMe
Emergency responders transported Eighmy to a hospital, where he suffered two strokes and died two days after the collision. During a court hearing, Waukesha County Court Commissioner David Herring described the SUV's condition as having "damage so substantial that there were parts all over the road." Prosecutor J.J. Crawford said evidence indicated a deliberate attempt to blend the vehicle into the surrounding woods.
Oconomowoc Police Department
Police released photos and details to the public three days after the crash seeking help identifying the vehicle; officers arrested Brennecke the same day tips produced a lead. He reportedly admitted to "clipping the tractor" but told investigators he panicked and fled out of fear.
Brennecke is charged with hit-and-run involving death and faces up to 25 years in prison. He requested an early sentencing date during a recent bail hearing, a move that reportedly surprised Eighmy's family. Loved ones remembered Allan Eighmy for his warm personality and ability to connect with people, as noted in his obituary.
What Authorities Say
Prosecutors: The driver allegedly attempted to conceal the damaged vehicle with a camouflage tarp and branches.
Court Official: The SUV sustained extensive damage, with parts strewn across the roadway.
The case remains before the court as investigators and prosecutors continue to prepare for sentencing and any additional proceedings.
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