A Connecticut pastor, who also served as chaplain for the state police as well as several other local departments, has died following a motorcycle accident on Route 9, authorities confirmed.
The brutal collision happened near Berlin on Wednesday around 4:15 p.m., NBC Connecticut reported.
State police said that Rev. Paul David Krampitz was driving his Harley-Davidson in the left lane of Route 9 North when he was struck by a Chevrolet Impala not far from Exit 33. The 65-year-old pastor was thrown from his bike upon impact.
He was rushed to New Britain Hospital, where he was pronounced dead a short time later.
The driver of the Impala, who was not injured, remained on the scene. Police added the motorist has been cooperating with their investigation.
“Chaplain Krampitz was a pillar to our agency following the Sandy Hook Elementary shooting and navigated our agency through dozens of Critical Incident Stress Management debriefings,” state police said in a statement to CT Insider. “Often sought after by troopers, command staff, and chaplains for spiritual support, counsel, mentorship, and guidance; Chaplain Krampitz was a reputable and respected member of our agency.”
Krampitz served the Bethany Lutheran Church in Cromwell, as well as other congregations in Connecticut and Rhode Island. On July 3, 2008, he was appointed state chaplain, a role in which he was able to touch “the lives of hundreds of troopers, dispatchers, and support staff in his 16 years of service,” state police said.
He also served as chaplain for Luther Ridge of Middletown and the Cromwell police and fire departments.
Krampitz is survived by his wife, Paula, their three children, Zoë, Zaidan and Zachary, along with two adult daughters, Christina and Maria.
