DANVERS, Mass. — Grief continues to spread through the law enforcement ranks as family, colleagues, and community members remember Massachusetts State Police Trooper Kevin Trainor, who was killed in the line of duty early Wednesday morning.
[ Wrong-way crashes back in spotlight after death of a Massachusetts State Trooper ]
State Police Colonel Geoffrey Noble said Trainor “epitomized what it meant to be a public servant,” while fellow troopers said they believe his actions saved lives.
Flowers and tributes have been placed at the State Police barracks in Danvers, where Trainor was assigned, forming a growing memorial in his honor.
Authorities said Trainor was killed around 2 a.m. Wednesday, after his cruiser was struck by a wrong‑way driver on Route 1 in Lynnfield. The Essex County District Attorney’s Office is investigating the crash.
According to state police, Trainor had just finished a work detail and was on his way home when a 911 call came in reporting a wrong‑way driver traveling on Route 1. As troopers responded, Trainor’s Chevy Tahoe was struck head‑on by a Jeep Wrangler traveling in the wrong direction.
The driver of the Jeep was identified by prosecutors as 50‑year‑old Hernan Marrero of Roslindale, who was pronounced dead at the scene.
Trainor was rushed to Massachusetts General Hospital, where he later died from his injuries. His remains were later transferred to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner during an emotional procession attended by hundreds of emergency officials.
Speaking on Wednesday, Col. Noble said Trainor’s actions likely prevented additional tragedy.
“I have no doubt that but for Trooper Trainor’s actions, we would be investigating a series of other crashes with a series of additional victims, and he saved lives today,” Noble said. “That is what we are to do if called upon, and that is his legacy he’ll forever be remembered by.”
Noble added, “He was the guy you wanted as your backup.”
Gov. Maura Healey also praised Trainor and expressed that his actions almost certainly prevented further tragedy.
“Trooper Trainor died a hero and not for his actions, and there would be a lot of grieving families today,” Healey said. “He was doing heroic work in the early hours this morning when the terrible tragedy befell us.”
Trooper Trainor was engaged to be married. He leaves behind his fiancée, four siblings, and his mother.
Investigators continue working to determine why the driver was traveling on the wrong side of the highway at the time of the crash.
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