Updated 4:30 p.m.
LYNNFIELD, MA — A Massachusetts state trooper was honored as a "hero" whose selfless and courageous actions "saved lives" after he was killed in a wrong-way crash on Route 1 in Lynnfield overnight.
State Police Col. Geoffrey Noble said at a news conference Wednesday morning that Trooper Kevin Trainor, a 30-year-old, three-year veteran of the Massachusetts State Police, was on his way home from a shift at 2 a.m. when he responded to a report of a wrong-way driver going southbound in the northbound lanes of Route 1.
One minute later, Noble said, the Jeep traveling the wrong way struck Trainor's SUV cruiser. The driver was pronounced dead at the scene, while Trainor was rushed to Massachusetts General Hospital, where he died later Wednesday morning.
The Essex County District Attorney's Office late Wednesday afternoon identified the accused wrong-way driver as Hernan Marrero, 50, of Roslindale. The Essex DA's Office said the crash remains under investigation and did not indicate a possible reason why Marrero was traveling in the wrong direction.
"Make no mistake," Noble said. "Trooper Trainor saved lives this morning. His courage, his commitment to serve the citizens of the Commonwealth, and even being willing to put his life on the line, which he did today, prevented an even greater tragedy.
"I'm confident that if this tragedy had not occurred, there would have been countless other tragedies down the road."
Trainor began his career as an Essex County corrections officer and graduated from the State Police Academy 88th Recruit Training Troop three years ago. He served as a field training officer, mentoring new troops, and "set the standard for professionalism," Noble said.
"He was the guy who you wanted as your backup," Noble said of Trainor's classmates' reaction to his death. "Not just on the job, but in his personal life too."
Route 1 northbound was closed for hours through the early morning hours after the crash at about 2 a.m., according to emergency services reports.
The road was fully reopened at about 8 a.m.
"I am heartbroken by the tragic death of a Massachusetts State Police trooper who died on the line of duty overnight in Lynnfield," Gov. Maura Healey said in a statement on Wednesday. "The trooper was responding to reports of a wrong-way driver and put himself in harm's way to protect others.
"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. My thoughts and prayers are with the trooper's family, loved ones, and with fellow members of the State Police during this incredibly difficult time."
Healey said she met with Trainor's family members, including his siblings and fiancée, at the State Police Barracks in Danvers on Wednesday before the press conference.
"We lost a hero today," Healey said at the news conference. "Trooper Trainor was a hero and he was doing heroic work in the early hours this morning when this terrible tragedy befell us. ...
"Kevin was about public service. That's what his career, his all-too-brief career, has been about. ... He was doing his job early this morning when he left his detail to respond to a call. But (troopers) do their jobs knowing that, despite their training, bad things can happen. And the worst thing can happen.
"This morning we saw the worst."
MSP Union President Brian Williams said Trainor "put himself in harm's way to protect the safety of the drivers on Route 1 in Lynnfield" and that "his actions reflect the very essence of service and dedication to the communities we serve."
"Our entire membership is working diligently to support the Trainor family and our department members," Williams said. "We remain steadfast in our mission to serve and protect the citizens of the Commonwealth in honor of Trooper Trainor's legacy."
The Massachusetts State Police released a statement on Wednesday morning, saying the MSP is asking Bay Staters to "remember the courage, sacrifice and selfless dedication demonstrated by those who put the safety of others ahead of their own every single day."
The MSP confirmed the trooper was attempting to intercept the wrong-way driver at the time of the crash.
"Our hearts are heavy once again as the Massachusetts law enforcement community mourns the loss of a Massachusetts State Police trooper killed in the line of duty this morning in Lynnfield," the MSP said.
A police dignified transfer was set to take place from Massachusetts General Hospital to the Medical Examiner's Office on Albany Street in Boston early Wednesday afternoon.
Sign up for free local newsletters and alerts for the
Lynnfield, MA Patch
Patch.com is the nationwide leader in hyperlocal news.
Visit Patch.com to find your town today.