A report from the prosecutor’s office reveals that a man driving under the influence caused a fatal head-on crash, killing a Massachusetts state trooper. Hernan Marrero, 50, had consumed nine alcoholic beverages before getting behind the wheel and driving the wrong way on a highway. His blood alcohol content was .192, which is more than double the legal limit at the time of the accident involving Officer Kevin Trainor at around 2:04 a.m. on May 6 in Lynnfield.
In the hours leading up to the collision, Marrero first visited a restaurant in Waltham, where he ordered food and received a complimentary drink. He then went to Trib Mexican Kitchen and Bar in Saugus at 9:15 p.m., where he was served a margarita shortly after arriving. He even posted a photo of the drink on social media, expressing excitement about his second stop. The report indicates that he was served a total of nine drinks at the bar before leaving at 12:53 a.m.
The Massachusetts Alcoholic Beverage Control Board has since issued a notice of civil violations to Trib for serving alcohol beyond allowed hours and offering free drinks. A public hearing regarding these violations is set for July 28.
Investigators determined that Marrero left the bar parking lot at 1:56 a.m., traveling approximately 3.7 miles on Route 1 before mistakenly entering the southbound lane after briefly turning around. In doing so, he ignored various warning signs indicating that he was going the wrong way. Reports claim that he drove for nearly three miles in the wrong direction before colliding with Officer Trainor’s cruiser.
As a result of the crash, both men lost their lives. Reconstruction experts concluded that Marrero’s poor decisions were the primary cause of the accident, not any malfunction of his vehicle or signage issues. Essex County District Attorney Paul Tucker stated that Trooper Trainor acted with commendable bravery and might have prevented further accidents by his response.
Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey remembered Trainor as an exceptional officer and a dedicated individual who positively impacted many lives. She noted his commitment to service and emphasized that, though his life was tragically cut short, his legacy of courage and selflessness would endure.
