State Police Recruit Enrique Delgado-Garcia Dies After Medical Emergency During Training
At a Glance
- Massachusetts State Police recruit Enrique Delgado-Garcia, 25, died after a “medical crisis” during a defensive tactics training exercise.
- Delgado-Garcia became unresponsive during the exercise at the Massachusetts State Police Academy in New Braintree.
- The academy’s on-site medical team responded immediately and took him to the hospital, where he died.
- Delgado-Garcia’s mother claimed he sustained severe injuries including brain trauma and broken teeth.
- Worcester County District Attorney’s office is investigating the incident.
Medical Crisis During Training
Enrique Delgado-Garcia, a 25-year-old Massachusetts State Police recruit, tragically lost his life following a medical emergency during a defensive tactics training session at the Massachusetts State Police Academy in New Braintree.
The incident occurred during a boxing exercise in which Delgado-Garcia became unresponsive. Immediate action was taken by the academy’s on-site medical team, and Delgado-Garcia was transported to a hospital. Despite the efforts of medical professionals, he was pronounced dead.
Mass. State Police recruit dead after training exercise was sworn in as trooper before death https://t.co/L9G7zQg4pE
— Boston 25 News (@boston25) September 14, 2024
Family’s Concerns and Injuries
Delgado-Garcia’s mother, Sandra Garcia, disclosed that her son endured severe injuries, including brain trauma, broken teeth, and a neck fracture during the training exercise. She voiced her distress, questioning the necessity and intensity of the training.
“I don’t understand why it was so rough if it was just training,” Sandra Garcia said in Spanish. “I want them to explain it to me, that the state explains to me what happened with my son. … Why did he hit him so hard that it killed him, that it destroyed his brain and broke all of my son’s teeth and he had a neck fracture too, my son.”
McGuirk reported that during Delgado-Garcia’s final hours, surrounded by his family, loved ones, and classmates, he administered the oath of office and was pinned with his Trooper Badge.
Official Investigation
The incident is currently under investigation by the Worcester County District Attorney’s office. A spokesperson, Lindsay Corcoran, confirmed that the review has been active and ongoing since the authorities were notified of the incident.
“The matter is under review and the review has been active and ongoing since we were notified of the incident on Thursday,” Lindsay Corcoran, a spokesperson for the Worcester County District Attorney’s office, said in a statement Saturday.
Governor Maura Healey expressed her condolences to the family and loved ones of Delgado-Garcia, highlighting his commitment to service and his compassionate nature.
“I’m heartbroken about the loss of Massachusetts State Police Trainee Enrique Delgado-Garcia, who had committed himself to a career protecting the people of Massachusetts,” Governor Healey said in a statement. “He was a beloved member of his academy class, known for his compassion and devotion to service. This is a devastating time for all who knew and loved him, and we are holding Enrique’s family and his State Police community in our hearts.”
Law enforcement expert Todd McGhee emphasized that an internal investigation might reveal more details about what exactly transpired during the training. He suggested that there might be changes to the defensive tactics program, which includes around 40-50 hours of training, following the incident.
Throughout this investigation, the hope remains that clarity will be provided not only to the community but most importantly to the family of Enrique Delgado-Garcia, who seeks answers about the intense and tragic circumstances of his final training exercise. Massachusetts State Police officials have promised to share more details as they become available, and the community is awaiting the outcomes of the ongoing review with anticipation and concern.
