Uxbridge, Massachusetts police officer Stephen LaPorta died early Wednesday when a tractor-trailer hit him while he was helping a driver on Route 146, investigators say.

LaPorta was on duty helping the driver after a crash on the northbound side of the highway at 12:40 a.m. when the truck hit. 

Worcester District Attorney Joseph Early said LaPorta was outside of his cruiser when he was struck. The driver being helped was not hurt. The tractor-trailer driver was taken to a hospital with minor injuries. No charges have been filed at this point in the investigation.

"Despite lifesaving efforts by emergency responders, the officer succumbed to injuries sustained in the collision," Uxbridge Police said in a statement.  

Police said LaPorta died at the scene. He was 43 years old and lived in Uxbridge. He leaves behind a wife and a 13-year-old child.

"An ice rink up here"

There's no word yet on what caused the crash or how many vehicles were involved, but roads across Massachusetts were icy due to freezing rain overnight. An officer was heard on police scanner audio shortly before the crash saying it was "an ice rink up here."

Eleven minutes later, an officer said "He's down" and "We need to shut down traffic."

Uxbridge police officer Stephen LaPorta

Officer LaPorta worked in Mendon for 17 years as a full-time dispatcher and detail officer before joining Uxbridge Police as a full-time police officer in June 2024.

"This heart-breaking incident reminds us of the risks that law-enforcement officers take every day," Uxbridge Police Chief Marc Montminy said. "Officer LaPorta gave his life in service to this community, a sacrifice that we will never forget. In our eyes he is a hero. This is a devastating loss to our department and our community."

During a moment of silence at the Mendon Select Board meeting Wednesday night, Police Chief David Kurczy remembered LaPorta as a "dedicated public servant" and "a genuinely good person." 

Counseling is being made available to officers and other members of the Uxbridge Police Department. Black bunting was hung outside the Uxbridge police station late Wednesday morning and a flag was lowered to half-staff to honor the officer. Police departments from across Massachusetts offered condolences on the Uxbridge Police Facebook page.

Route 146 north at exit 6 was closed through the morning commute, according to the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT).

More than five hours after the crash, there was a solemn procession off of Route 146 led by Massachusetts State Police, followed by the medical examiner and fellow police officers.

Any witnesses with information are asked to contact the Worcester District Attorney's office. 

Uxbridge is about 45 miles southwest of Boston and 25 miles north of Providence, Rhode Island.

"He loved his family. He loved his town"

State Rep. Michael Soter said he knew LaPorta. He choked up as he remembered what the officer meant to Uxbridge.

"He was a gentleman, he was respectful. Family man. He loved his family. He loved his town. The people of Uxbridge and the outpouring that's happened has been absolutely amazing. The tough part now, the family, we've got to wrap our arms around the family, the police department, the town officials, everybody in this town. We've got to support them," Soter said.

On Wednesday afternoon, people stopped by the Uxbridge Police Department to drop off food and coffee. Solines Campbell was one of them.

"I've been a wife of a police officer for 19+ years. It's one of those things you try not think about. When it happens, you kind of just pour your heart out to whoever you can and do what you can to help the community and the family," she said. 

Flags at half-staff

Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey ordered flags at all state buildings to be flown at half-staff in honor of LaPorta.

"He knew he was headed into a dangerous situation when he responded to the scene of a multi-vehicle crash, but like all of our officers do day in and day out, he put the public's safety first – and he tragically made the ultimate sacrifice," Healey said in a statement. "I ask Massachusetts residents to take a moment today to reflect on the bravery of Officer LaPorta and thank members of law enforcement for all that they do to keep us safe."