An 87-year-old Wisconsin grandfather was killed after finishing his morning lawn work at church when authorities say a passing SUV driver struck him and left him to die on the side of the road, never stopping to render aid.
Background
Allan Eighmy had just finished mowing the grass at his church in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, located near Allen Road and Orchard Circle, on July 14, 2025. As he sat on his Kubota tractor, a black Volvo XC90 driven by Matthew Brennecke crashed into him, according to authorities. Instead of stopping, Brennecke allegedly continued driving, smashed his cellular phone, and attempted to conceal the heavily damaged vehicle using a camouflage tarp and tree branches.
Eighmy was left critically injured on the roadside. He was transported to a local hospital but suffered two strokes and died two days later, Waukesha County prosecutors said. Court records show Eighmy was 87 years old at the time of his death.
"Damage so substantial that there were parts all over the road" was documented on Brennecke's vehicle, according to Waukesha County Court Commissioner David Herring. Prosecutor J.J. Crawford described how the defendant allegedly worked to hide the SUV "to blend in with the scenery and woods."
The Charges
Brennecke, 50, is charged with hit-and-run involving death, a serious felony under Wisconsin law. Three days after the July 14 collision, authorities issued a public appeal for help locating both Brennecke and his black Volvo XC90 before he was apprehended that same day.
During questioning, Brennecke reportedly admitted to "clipping the tractor" but claimed he failed to stop because he was scared. Court records confirm the charge of hit-and-run involving death in Waukesha County Circuit Court. The defendant appeared before a judge this week and requested during a bail hearing to proceed directly to sentencing rather than contest the charges, a request that reportedly surprised those present in the courtroom, including Eighmy's family members.
When sentenced next week, Brennecke faces up to 25 years in prison under Wisconsin statutes governing fatal hit-and-run convictions. A plea and sentencing hearing remains scheduled in Waukesha County Circuit Court.
Key Takeaways
- Allan Eighmy, 87, was killed on July 14, 2025, while sitting on his Kubota tractor after completing church lawn work in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin
- Matthew Brennecke allegedly struck Eighmy with a black Volvo XC90 and fled the scene without stopping
- The defendant reportedly concealed his damaged vehicle with a camouflage tarp and tree branches before surrendering to police three days later
- Eighmy died two days after the collision following two strokes at a local hospital
- Brennecke has pleaded guilty and requested immediate sentencing rather than proceeding to trial
- He faces up to 25 years in prison when sentenced in Waukesha County Circuit Court
What's Next
Brennecke is scheduled to appear in Waukesha County Circuit Court for his plea and sentencing hearing. Prosecutors are expected to recommend the maximum penalty of 25 years in prison, while defense arguments regarding mitigating factors will also be considered before a final sentence is imposed.
Eighmy's family attended court proceedings this week as the man accused of killing their loved one opted against contesting the charges. According to his obituary, Eighmy "loved to talk to people and had a one-of-a-kind ability to make a connection with everyone he saw." He is survived by two daughters, siblings, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.