A state police recruit, Enrique Delgado-Garcia, died at the age of 25 after becoming unresponsive during a training exercise in Worcester. He suffered a “medical crisis” during a defensive tactics exercise in a boxing ring and passed away at a hospital on September 13. In response, the state attorney general has appointed an attorney to lead an outside investigation into his death. Delgado-Garcia’s funeral was held on Saturday, where his casket, draped in an American flag, was carried by police, and flags around the state were lowered to half-staff by Gov. Maura Healey.
Calls for accountability surrounding Delgado-Garcia’s death have extended beyond his family, with the Latino Law Enforcement Group of Boston and Lawyers for Civil Rights in Boston demanding transparency in the investigation. They have urged the state to suspend anyone potentially involved in the fatal training exercise and make necessary improvements to ensure the safety and well-being of the remaining cadets at the Massachusetts State Police Academy. The state police and the attorney general’s office have not provided immediate responses to requests for comment regarding the situation.
Delgado-Garcia, who hailed from Worcester and was originally from Puerto Rico, was described as an exceptional young man who dedicated himself to serving others. He pursued an undergraduate degree at Westfield State University in Massachusetts and began his career as a victim’s advocate at the Worcester district attorney’s office. His obituary on the Mercadante Funeral Home & Chapel website highlighted his aspirations of becoming a State Trooper to make a significant impact on his community. The loss of Delgado-Garcia has sparked discussions about the safety and training protocols at the Massachusetts State Police Academy.
Following Delgado-Garcia’s death, the Massachusetts State Police announced the suspension of full-contact boxing training activities among recruits at the academy. The incident has raised questions about the necessity and safety of such exercises during law enforcement training. Delgado-Garcia’s mother and others have emphasized the need for answers and accountability in the investigation to shed light on the circumstances surrounding his sudden passing. The tragic event has prompted a broader conversation within the law enforcement community about ensuring the well-being and safety of recruits during training. As the investigation into Delgado-Garcia’s death continues, his legacy as a dedicated and compassionate individual who aimed to make a positive difference in society lives on.
