Massachusetts State Police Recruit Dies After Boxing Training Exercise: 'Beloved Member of His Class'

Mar. 15, 2025

Enrique Delgado-Garcia.Photo:Officer Down Memorial Page

Officer Down Memorial Page

A Massachusetts State Police recruit died after he was critically injured in a training exercise last week, according to authorities.

Enrique Delgado-Garcia, a member of the 90th Recruit Training Troop, died “following a medical crisis suffered during a training exercise," the MSP said in a news release shared with PEOPLE.

He “became unresponsive during a defensive tactics training exercise” on Thursday, Sept. 12, at the department’s academy in New Braintree, according to the department.

PerThe Boston Globeand CBS affiliateWBZ, Delgado-Garcia was 25 years old and hailed from Worcester.

Delgado-Garcia was boxing at the time of the incident, according to ABC affiliateWCVB. He died on Friday, Sept. 13, after he was taken to the hospital.

“Our thoughts and deepest condolences go out to Trainee Delgado-Garcia’s family, loved ones, and fellow trainees during this incredibly difficult time,” MSP said in its statement.

Colonel John E. Mawn Jr. of the MSP said, via a statement, that Delgado-Garcia was a “fine young man.”

“In his short time with the State Police, Enrique demonstrated an extraordinary capacity to learn and a desire to deliver excellent police services to the people of Massachusetts,” Mawn continued. “He made an immediate impression on his classmates and the Academy Staff. By all accounts, Enrique possessed and displayed all the qualities that would have made him an outstanding Trooper: kindness and compassion, dedication, commitment, willingness to work hard to improve himself, and a strong desire help others.”

“As a Department, we will, first and foremost, continue to support Enrique’s family, and honor his memory,” added Mawn. “We will additionally support our members, trainees, and their families as they cope with this heartbreaking loss.”

Delgado-Garcia served as a victim-witness advocate at the Worcester District Attorney’s office before he left to join MSP in April,  said Worcester District Attorney Joseph Early at apress conference on Monday, Sept. 16.

“This is a time of mourning for Enrique’s family, friends and loved ones,” Early, who remembered Delgado-Garcia as a dedicated worker, added. “This is a heartbreaking tragic loss.”

Citing Delgado-Garcia’s previous relationship with his office, Early said that someone else would handle the case.

“Everyone loved Enrique,” he said. “The police detectives assigned to our office will continue to investigate this matter…They will also work with whoever takes this matter.”

Early also said authorities don’t have a cause of death to be released until the autopsy report has been finalized.

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Delgado-Garcia’s body was later transported on Sept. 14 from the hospital to the chief medical examiner’s office in Westfield,The Boston Globereported.

His family toldNBC affiliate WBTSthat Delgado-Garcia sustained severe brain damage and a broken neck as a result of the incident. The outlet added that Delgado-Garcia’s family is demanding answers on what happened at the academy.

“I’m ashamed of MSP, and I feel like they need to thoroughly investigate this and justice needs to be brought because its not okay how they’re treating these troops.” said his friend, per WBTS. “If my friend could end up like this this could be anyones son or daughter.”

In an X postshared on Saturday, Sept. 14, Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healy wrote, “I’m heartbroken about the loss of  @MassStatePolice Trainee Enrique Delgado-Garcia. He was a beloved member of his class, known for his compassion and devotion to service. We’re holding Enrique’s family and his State Police community in our hearts.”

source: people.com