The Massachusetts State Police have suspended full-contact boxing training following the death of Trooper Enrique Delgado-Garcia, a 25-year-old recruit who suffered fatal injuries during a boxing exercise at the police academy. Delgado-Garcia was posthumously sworn in as a trooper, as noted by CBS News Boston. The pause in boxing activities will remain in effect until further notice while a review of the academy's defensive tactics program is conducted to align training methods with safety standards and law enforcement goals, according to a statement from the Massachusetts State Police reported by WCVB.
Delgado-Garcia's injury, which led to his death at UMass Memorial Medical Center in Worcester, occurred during a training session where he was knocked unconscious for an extent of 10 minutes, and despite the immediate medical attention, he did not recover from the injuries. The State Police reported this information to CBS News Boston. In response to the incident, Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey supported the suspension of the boxing program and has further called for a comprehensive review of all training programs at the academy to ensure the highest standards are met for recruit safety.
Worcester County District Attorney Joseph Early has promised an external investigation, but details regarding who will lead this inquiry remain unclear. However, the State Police have assured their cooperation. Interim Colonel John Mawn has directed the State Police Division of Standards and Training to conduct a comprehensive review, including an assessment of safety protocols, training methods, and feedback from recruits and instructors, as per WHDH.
The funeral arrangements for the deceased trooper are set for Saturday in his hometown of Worcester, with the State Police providing full ceremonial support during this period of mourning. They have extended their deepest sympathy and support to Delgado-Garcia's grieving family during this difficult time. Governor Healey emphasized the need for an expedited investigation, stating, "What needs to happen though is there needs to be the appointment of an investigator to conduct the investigation because the family needs answers about what happened to Enrique," a sentiment she shared in conversations with CBS News Boston.
