A Massachusetts State Police recruit tragically lost his life following a medical crisis that occurred during a training exercise at the academy in New Braintree. The 25-year-old trainee, Enrique Delgado-Garcia, had been on life support at a Worcester hospital, according to sources close to the matter. The incident happened during a boxing exercise, which is a regular part of state police training.

Sources reveal that Delgado-Garcia was critically injured during the boxing exercise, where he was knocked out for nearly 10 minutes after being struck in the head. On September 12, during a defensive tactics training exercise, the trainee became unresponsive, prompting immediate response and aid from the academy's on-site medical team. Delgado-Garcia was quickly transported to a local medical facility, but despite the heroic efforts of medical professionals, he unfortunately succumbed to his injuries.

Delgado-Garcia, who had recently been sworn in as a trooper, will be honored with full state police honors, and his body will be escorted to the medical examiner's office. Massachusetts State Police Colonel John Mawn Jr. expressed his deep condolences to the family and loved ones of Trainee Delgado-Garcia, stating that they have the full support and care of the State Police Family.

Governor Maura Healey also expressed her grief over the loss of Trainee Delgado-Garcia, praising his dedication to protecting the people of Massachusetts and describing him as a beloved member of his academy class. She extended her sympathies to the family and the State Police community during this devastating time.

Col. Mawn remembered Delgado-Garcia as someone who demonstrated exceptional learning capacity and a desire to provide excellent police services to the people of Massachusetts. Despite his short time with the State Police, Delgado-Garcia made a lasting impression on his classmates and the academy staff with his kindness, compassion, dedication, commitment, and strong desire to help others. Prior to joining the academy, he served as a victim witness advocate in the Worcester DA's office.

At the Massachusetts State Police Academy, recruits undergo a 25-week, modified stress, live-in training program that includes 90 different courses of instruction. The recent class, referred to as the 90th Recruit Training Troop, started in April. The boxing program was reintroduced in the late 90s to teach recruits how to handle violent and unpredictable situations towards the end of their training, once they have built up the necessary skills and confidence.

The academy emphasizes safety measures during boxing exercises, including pairing trainees based on size and ability, and prohibiting those with prior boxing experience from participating. Protective gear such as 16-ounce gloves, headgear, and groin protection is mandatory, with constant monitoring to ensure the combatants are engaged in a controlled environment.

Todd McGhee, a former defensive tactics coordinator at the academy, expressed his devastation over the incident and the safeguards he had implemented to prevent injuries. While injuries of this nature are very rare, he acknowledged the tragedy and suggested that changes may be forthcoming at the academy, given the overall circumstances facing the state police.

This heartbreaking loss serves as a reminder of the risks associated with police training and the commitment of those who dedicate their lives to serving and protecting their communities. The Massachusetts State Police mourns the loss of Trainee Enrique Delgado-Garcia and extends their deepest sympathies to his family and loved ones during this difficult time.