Twin Lakes Police Lieutenant killed in Walworth County crash

TOWN OF LYONS (WITI)  -- An off-duty Twin Lakes Police Lieutenant was killed in a crash Saturday, May 25th around 6:30 a.m. The accident shut down Hwy 120 for about four hours.

36-year-old Jeffrey Kreft was heading home after his shift when a 16-year-old male, driving a Ford F-150 truck, crossed the center line and the two vehicles collided. Kreft sustained critical injuries and died shortly after the accident.

"He was a good man, gonna be really missed," said Twin Lakes Officer Kevin Saunders.

Kreft had just been promoted to Lieutenant earlier this month.

"To lose someone off-duty when we're always concerned about on-duty and being careful on duty, it just goes to show how precious life really is," said Detective Josh Cooper.

This is the fourth time since 2007 the Twin Lakes Police Department has lost one of its own. The causes range from cancer to car accidents, but  Police Chief Dale Racer says the pain is all the same.

"You really can't explain it. Emotions just run through, you think deja vu, you think you're dreaming, especially here since it's a smaller department," said Racer.

Kreft is survived by his wife and two sons, ages seven and five.

"Just gotta know he's out there watching out for us above us now from that angle now instead of backing us up, but he'll always be backing us up from the sky," said Saunders.

The driver of the other vehicle suffered a broken foot and was released from an area hospital.

The accident is still under investigation and will be reviewed by the Walworth County District Attorney's Office once completed. No charges or citations have been issued at this time.