Massachusetts State Police Trooper Kevin Trainor killed trying to stop wrong-way driver in crash on Route 1 in Lynnfield

Massachusetts State Police trooper Kevin Trainor was killed trying to stop a wrong-way driver in a horrific crash on Route 1 north in Lynnfield early Wednesday morning. The other driver also died.

According to State Police Colonel Geoffrey Noble, Trainor's shift had just ended and he was heading home when police got a 911 call about a wrong-way driver traveling south in the northbound lanes around 2 a.m.

At 2:04 a.m. Trainor's unmarked SUV was hit head-on by the wrong-way driver in a Jeep, Noble said. That driver, later identified as 50-year-old Hernan Marrero of Roslindale, died at the scene.

Trainor was rushed to Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston with life-threatening injuries and later died.

Trooper Kevin Trainor "saved lives this morning"

"Trooper Trainor today saved lives this morning. His courage, his commitment to serve the citizens of the Commonwealth, and even be willing to put his life on the line, which he did today, prevented an even greater tragedy. For I am confident that had this tragedy not occurred, there would have been countless other tragedies down the road. He will be remembered as a hero," Noble said at a news conference.

Trainor was 30 years old and a native of Salem, Massachusetts. He leaves behind his fiancée Jessica, his mother Barbara, a sister and three brothers. Trainor joined the State Police in 2023, after serving as a corrections officer in Essex County.

"Nothing will ever repair the pain that we feel today. But we make a solemn promise we will never forget his service as a decorated Massachusetts state trooper," Noble told reporters. "Kevin represents the best of the best, the best of who we are."

Noble said Trainor was a "trooper coach" who mentored new troopers in his three years with the State Police.

"Trooper Trainor is a hero. He served with courage, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to the State Police, to his fellow troopers, and to the citizens of this Commonwealth. His sacrifice is a solemn reminder of the risks our members face each and every day, and the extraordinary bravery required to wear our uniform," said Brian Williams of the State Police union.

Procession for Trooper Kevin Trainor

Several state troopers gathered outside Mass General for hours before they escorted the fallen trooper in a four-mile procession from Charles Street to the state medical examiner's office on Albany Street in Boston.

His family was not involved in the procession.

Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey said she was "heartbroken" by the trooper's tragic death.

"We will make sure that we, as a Commonwealth, honor Trooper Trainor, honor his legacy, honor his family. And I just ask the public today, go out and find a police officer, find a trooper, take the time to give them a hug. Take the time to give them a hug. Take the time to express gratitude. Not just today, but every day. Do that for Kevin," Healey said at the news conference.

Route 1 north was closed at Walnut Street in Saugus for about six hours after the crash. Drivers were urged to avoid the area during the morning commute.

Both vehicles had been towed away from the scene by 8 a.m. All northbound lanes of Route 1 re-opened minutes later.

Essex County District Attorney Paul Tucker is investigating the crash, including why the driver was on the wrong side of the highway.

"It shouldn't have happened"

Neighbors brought flowers, food, and other items to the Danvers barracks to show their support.

"Such a young, young fellow. No reason. It shouldn't have happened," said Debbie Wexler of Danvers.

Barry Doyle said troopers have been there for his family during difficult times, and he wants them recognized.

"Because you hear a lot of bad things about state troopers and police in general, they shot at the wrong time. But there's so many great things that they do. And just on a personal level," Doyle said. 

Flags have been lowered to half-staff at the Danvers barracks, and troopers are wearing black bands over their badges.   

Lynnfield, Massachusetts is 17 miles north of Boston.