A Massachusetts State Police trooper has died from his injuries after his cruiser was struck by a wrong-way driver, who also died, on Route 1 in Lynnfield early Wednesday.
State police confirmed the trooper’s death shortly after 9 a.m., saying it was with the most profound sadness and deepest condolences to his family, classmates and loved ones, that they announced the line of duty death.
State police confirmed the trooper’s death shortly after 9 a.m., saying it was with the most profound sadness and deepest condolences to his family, classmates and loved ones, that they announced the line of duty death.
Gov. Maura Healey said she was heartbroken by the trooper’s tragic death, saying her thoughts and prayers are with his family, loved ones and fellow state police members during this incredibly difficult time.
“The Trooper was responding to reports of a wrong-way driver and put himself in harm’s way to protect others,” Healey wrote in a statement. “This act of service and courage is what our State Police are called to do every day. They show up ready to face danger so the rest of us can be safe. Today, Massachusetts is mourning one of those heroes.”
Every day, the @MassStatePolice show up ready to face danger so the rest of us can be safe. Massachusetts is mourning one of our heroes.
Heartbroken by the tragic death a Trooper in the line of duty overnight in Lynnfield. His family and fellow Troopers are in my prayers. pic.twitter.com/fjClFZoPT6
— Governor Maura Healey (@MassGovernor) May 6, 2026
State police identified the trooper at a press conference outside the Danvers barracks as 30-year-old Kevin Trainor, a trooper of three years who represented “the best of the best.”
Click here for more comments about Trainor from the press conference
A Massachusetts State Police trooper has died after his cruiser was struck by a wrong-way driver, who also died, early Wednesday, May 6, 2026, on Route 1 northbound in Lynnfield, near Saugus.
State police said earlier Wednesday that the trooper had been rushed to a Boston hospital with life-threatening injuries after his cruiser was struck around 2 a.m. by a driver who was traveling south in the northbound lanes on Route 1 northbound.
Trainor’s shift was scheduled to end at 2 a.m., according to state police. The 911 call reporting a wrong-way driver came in at 2:01 a.m., and Trainor’s cruiser was struck head-on at 2:04 a.m.
The wrong-way driver, who has not been publicly identified at this time, died at the scene, while Trainor succumbed to his injuries at MGH.
“While nothing will ever repair the pain we feel today, we make a solemn promise to never forget Trooper Trainor and his service to the Commonwealth,” Col. Geoffrey Noble said in a statement. “Make no mistake: Trooper Trainor saved lives this morning. His courage – his commitment to serve the citizens of the Commonwealth and put his life on the line – prevented an even greater tragedy. He will be remembered as a hero.”
“We will remember and honor this extraordinary man, son, fiancée, and friend who gave his life for others,” Noble continued.
Route 1 northbound is closed in Saugus, Massachusetts, Wednesday morning due to a crash, MassDOT said on May 6, 2026.
Route 1 northbound is closed in Saugus, Massachusetts, Wednesday morning due to a crash, MassDOT said on May 6, 2026.
The Massachusetts Department of Transportation announced Route 1 northbound was closed at Walnut Street in Saugus due to the crash, and traffic was being detoured.
Drivers were told to seek alternate routes, and anyone traveling through the impacted area was warned to expect delays, MassDOT said. Closures were expected to remain in place for several hours.
The on-scene investigation was continuing, and the road closure was expected to impact the morning commute.
Further information about the crash and the wrong-way driver is not available at this time.