A report from the Essex County District Attorney's office indicates that a driver, Hernan Marrero, 50, was involved in a fatal head-on collision with Massachusetts state trooper Kevin Trainor after consuming nine alcoholic drinks at a bar. The incident occurred around 2:04 a.m. on May 6 in Lynnfield, Massachusetts. Marrero had a blood alcohol concentration of 0.192, more than twice the legal limit. Both Marrero and Trainor died in the crash.
The report details Marrero's activities leading up to the crash, noting he first visited a restaurant where he received a complimentary drink before heading to Tribu Mexican Kitchen and Bar, where he was served multiple drinks between 9:20 p.m. and 12:53 a.m. The Massachusetts Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission has issued a notice to the bar for alleged violations, including serving drinks after hours.
After leaving the bar, Marrero drove north on Route 1 and entered a jughandle that allowed him to reverse direction. However, he failed to navigate correctly and drove southbound in the northbound lane, despite clear signage indicating the wrong direction. A truck driver reported the wrong-way driver to 911, and Trooper Trainor, who had just completed a public safety detail, was the first to encounter Marrero's vehicle.
The collision occurred at high speeds, with Trainor's cruiser traveling between 60.4 and 68.6 mph and Marrero's Jeep between 56.4 and 61.4 mph. Investigators concluded that the crash was a result of Marrero's actions, not due to vehicle defects or signage issues. District Attorney Paul Tucker stated that evidence shows Trainor acted with courage and self-sacrifice, potentially preventing further tragedy. Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey praised Trainor's service and legacy.