Oconomowoc man remembered after being killed in hit-and-run; suspect charged

Updated: July 18, 2025
OCONOMOWOC, Wis. (CBS 58) -- A suspect accused in a fatal hit-and-run has been formally charged.
Matthew Brennecke is facing one count of hit-and-run resulting in death.
Officials say Brennecke was behind the wheel of an SUV when he struck 87-year-old Allan ‘Al’ Eighmy, who was riding a tractor to Dr. Martin Luther Church to help mow grass.
In court Friday, July 18, a judge set Brennecke's bond at $100,000.
He's due back in court Aug. 5.
Updated: July 17, 2025
OCONOMOWOC, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Matthew Brennecke has been taken into custody Thursday night, July 17.
In a press release the Oconomowoc Police Department extends their gratitude and thanks the public for their help in locating Brennecke.
This was not merely a law enforcement action; it was a community-wide endeavor, proving that our shared commitment to safety and justice is the most powerful tool we possess.
Updated: July 17, 2025
OCONOMOWOC, Wis. (CBS 58) -- A person of interest has been identified in a fatal hit-and-run in Oconomowoc.
An arrest warrant has been issued for 49-year-old Matthew L. Brennecke.
Officials are also searching for a black 2008 Volvo XC90 with Wisconsin registration AYL-2899.
The hit-and-run happened on July 14, near Allen Road and Orchard Circle. Police say an SUV driver struck a Kubota tractor and left the scene.
Authorities say Brennecke has a distinct tattoo on his left upper bicep. He is thought to reside in Jefferson County.
The Oconomowoc community is mourning the loss of a long-time resident after he was killed following a hit and run.
On Monday morning, 87-year-old Allan ‘Al’ Eighmy was driving his tractor to Dr. Martin Luther Church. He would often mow the lawn across the street.
“Al was a well known in our congregation an certainly in this community. He’s lived here his whole life,” said Pastor Clare Sedlacek with Dr. Martin Luther Church.
That’s when Oconomowoc police say Eighmy was hit by a driver who fled the scene. Eighmy died from his injuries on Wednesday.
“Anytime you have a traumatic death, you really want answers for the why,” said Sedlacek.
She remembers Eighmy as a beacon of light, always finding solace inside the church walls.
“So alive, so alive. So vibrant,” said Sedlacek. “If he was in town he was in church on Sunday. He talked about what it meant to be a person of faith.”
Sedlacek says Eighmy was known for his willingness to help.
“You know, if you need something Pastor Clare, let me know. If I can do anything for you, let me know,” said Sedlacek.
She says she’ll always remember him that way.
“I’m just gonna miss him. I’m gonna miss his hugs. I’m gonna miss his presence. I’m gonna miss his faithfulness,” said Sedlacek. “That’s the face that I’m going to remember.”
Police said Eighmy had serious injuries from the crash, and on Thursday, his pastor told us he passed away.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the Oconomowoc Police Department at 262-567-4401.
Published: July 14, 2025
OCONOMOWOC, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Oconomowoc police are asking for the public's help in identifying the suspect vehicle involved in a hit-and-run crash Monday afternoon.
It happened just before 1 p.m. at the intersection of Allen Road and Orchard Circle.
Police say the driver of an SUV- possibly a black, 2003-2014 Volvo ZC90- struck a Kubota tractor and left the scene.
The operator of the tractor was seriously injured and taken to an area hospital for treatment.
Officials say the SUV was last seen on Concord and Allen Road.
Any residents in the area are asked to check home surveillance footage around the time of the accident, and to contact Waukesha County Communications at 262-446-5070 with any information on the suspect vehicle.