A recent report from the Essex County District Attorney’s office reveals that a drunk driver, whose actions led to the tragic death of a Massachusetts state trooper, drove the wrong way on a highway after consuming nine alcoholic beverages at a restaurant. The driver, Hernan Marrero, 50, had a blood alcohol concentration of 0.192—over double the legal limit—when his Jeep Wrangler collided head-on with Officer Kevin Trainor’s cruiser in Lynnfield around 2:04 a.m. on May 6.
The crash resulted in the deaths of both Marrero and the 30-year-old Officer Traynor from Georgetown. The report outlines the events leading up to the collision, stating that Marrero first dined at a restaurant in Waltham, where he was served a free drink before he settled the bill at 7:42 p.m. He subsequently went to Trib Mexican Kitchen and Bar on Route 1 North in Saugus, arriving at 9:15 p.m. There, he was served a margarita shortly thereafter, later posting a photo of it on social media with a playful caption.
Investigators found that a total of nine drinks were served to him between 9:20 p.m. and 12:53 a.m. Following this, Marrero left the parking lot at 1:56 a.m. and drove for approximately 3.7 miles before making a turn that sent him back into the southbound lane incorrectly. Instead of correctly entering the southbound lanes, he hit a guardrail and ran a red light, ultimately steering back into the northbound lanes while traveling south.
Despite there being multiple signs indicating “wrong way” and “no entry,” Marrero drove for nearly three miles in the wrong direction. A truck driver noticed him and called 911, alerting authorities. Tragically, the vehicles collided, with Officer Trainor’s cruiser traveling at speeds between 60.4 and 98.6 mph, while Marrero’s Jeep was clocked between 56.4 and 61.4 mph at the moment of impact.
The accident reconstruction team attributed the wrongful driving to Marrero’s choices, stating mechanical issues or signage problems were not factors in the incident. It’s been reported that the Massachusetts Alcoholic Beverage Control Board has notified the restaurant of several alleged violations, including serving drinks after hours. A public hearing is expected to take place on July 28.
This heartbreaking occurrence not only highlights the dangers of drinking and driving but also underscores the valiant efforts of Officer Traynor, who had just completed a public safety assignment when his life was taken. The District Attorney commended him for his courageous service, suggesting that his actions may have prevented further tragedies that night.
Governor Maura Healey expressed her condolences and acknowledged Officer Traynor’s contributions and character, describing him as a reliable, admirable individual deeply committed to his community.
