Drunk Wrong-Way Driver Killed Trooper After Nine Drinks
Drunk wrong way driver killed Mass – A drunk wrong way driver killed Massachusetts state trooper Kevin Trainor in a tragic head-on collision on Route 1. Hernan Marrero, 50, of Roslindale, had consumed nine alcoholic beverages at a Saugus bar before driving in the wrong direction. The crash occurred at approximately 2:04 a.m. on May 6 in Lynnfield, claiming both lives. Marrero’s blood alcohol level was 0.192, more than double the legal limit. Trooper Trainor, 30, was on duty when he encountered the drunk wrong way driver.
Evening of Drinking at the Bar
Marrero’s night began at a Waltham restaurant where he received one complimentary drink before leaving at 7:42 p.m. He then traveled to Tribu Mexican Kitchen and Bar on Route 1 North in Saugus, arriving at 9:15 p.m. A margarita arrived five minutes later, and Marrero posted a photo on social media with the caption “Second stop!!!” According to the Essex County District Attorney’s report, he was served nine drinks between 9:20 p.m. and 12:53 a.m. The Massachusetts Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission has issued a notice to Tribu for multiple civil violations, including serving drinks after permitted hours and providing complimentary beverages. A hearing is set for July 28.
Driving Against Traffic
Marrero left the bar’s parking lot at 1:56 a.m. and drove north on Route 1 for about 2.3 miles. He approached a jughandle near Santarpio’s Pizza in Peabody, where he should have entered southbound lanes. Instead, his Jeep grazed a guardrail, ran a red light, and made an overly sharp left turn. He then re-entered the northbound lanes while traveling south. Clear warning signs including “WRONG WAY,” “DO NOT ENTER,” and “ONE WAY” were visible in the area. A truck driver spotted the wrong-way vehicle and immediately called 911. Another trooper broadcasted a warning about the drunk wrong way driver to State Police Danvers barracks and nearby cruisers.
The Fatal Collision
Trooper Trainor had clocked out at 1:52 a.m. after completing a public safety detail when the accident happened. His cruiser radio was tuned to the channel receiving the warnings. His vehicle was the first to meet Marrero’s Jeep. Investigators determined that Trainor’s cruiser was traveling between 60.4 and 68.6 mph while Marrero’s Jeep moved between 56.4 and 61.4 mph at impact. Crash reconstructionists found no vehicle defects or signage problems contributed to the crash. They concluded Marrero’s wrong-way driving directly caused both deaths. The DA’s office stated that criminal charges are “not sustainable” under applicable legal standards.
Honoring the Fallen Trooper
Essex County District Attorney Paul Tucker praised Trainor’s actions.
“His willingness to put his own life at risk to serve and protect the citizens of the Commonwealth likely prevented an even greater tragedy,” Tucker said.
Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey also honored the trooper.
“Trooper Kevin Trainor was the best of Massachusetts. He was a graduate of Salem State and the State Police Academy. He wore the French and Electric Blue with pride. He was a son, a brother, a fiancé, a coach and a mentor. On and off the job, he was the kind of person you could count on. When people needed help, he answered the call without hesitation. That’s what makes him a hero.”
Governor Healey noted that while Trainor’s life was cut far too short, his legacy of courage, service, and selflessness will endure in all the lives he saved.
