Worcester, Massachusetts – Enrique Delgado Garcia, a Massachusetts State Police recruit, tragically passed away following a medical emergency during a defensive tactics training exercise. Delgado Garcia, 25, fell unconscious during a boxing exercise at the State Police Academy on Thursday. He was immediately attended to by the academy’s on-site medical team, including UMass Medical staff, and was transported to UMass Memorial Medical Centre in Worcester.
Despite the medical professionals’ efforts, Delgado Garcia passed away on Friday night, surrounded by family and loved ones after being taken off life support. The Massachusetts State Police administered the oath of office to him in his final hours, and he was posthumously pinned with his Trooper Badge during a bilingual ceremony.
Delgado Garcia had joined the 90th Recruit Training Troop in April and was scheduled to graduate in just a few weeks on October 9 at the DCU Centre in Worcester. His sudden death has sent shockwaves through the police academy and his family.
State Police Union President Brian Williams described the situation as deeply tragic, stating, “I don’t think there are words that can express how awful and how tragic the situation is.” Colonel John E. Mawn Jr. of the Massachusetts State Police expressed his condolences, describing Delgado Garcia as "a fine young man" who made an immediate impression on his classmates and academy staff.
Delgado Garcia had previously worked as a victim witness advocate for the Worcester County District Attorney’s office, and his commitment to service was widely recognized. Gov. Maura Healey issued a statement calling his loss “tragic” and extended her thoughts to his family and the State Police community.
The Worcester County District Attorney’s Office is currently reviewing all aspects of this incident, and Enrique Delgado Garcia’s remains were transferred to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Westfield for further investigation.
Several heartfelt tributes poured in on social media. William John commented, “Strong, Classy Move. Go with God Brother Enrique and prayers for all who love you.”
Funeral arrangements for Enrique Delgado Garcia will be announced by his family.