A wrong-way driver who fatally collided with a Massachusetts State Trooper had consumed nine alcoholic drinks at a restaurant before driving into oncoming traffic, according to a report from the Essex County District Attorney's office.
Hernan Marrero, 50, of Roslindale, had a blood alcohol concentration of 0.192, more than twice the legal limit, when his Jeep Wrangler crashed head-on into Trooper Kevin Trainor’s cruiser on May 6 in Lynnfield. Both Marrero and Trainor, 30, died in the collision.
The report indicates Marrero first visited a restaurant in Waltham, where he purchased food and received one complimentary drink. He later went to Tribu Mexican Kitchen and Bar on Route 1 North in Saugus, arriving around 9:15 p.m. He was served a margarita five minutes later, according to investigators.
Between 9:20 p.m. and 12:53 a.m., Marrero was served a total of nine alcoholic drinks at Tribu. He posted a social media photo of a margarita with the caption, “Second stop!!!” during this time.
The Massachusetts Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission has issued Tribu a notice alleging civil violations, including serving alcohol after hours and providing complimentary drinks. A hearing is scheduled for July 28.
Investigators concluded that criminal charges against the establishment were not sustainable. The District Attorney's office stated that a review of the case did not support such charges.
Marrero left the Tribu parking lot at 1:56 a.m. and drove north on Route 1. He entered a jughandle intended for traffic to reverse direction onto Route 1 South. Instead, Marrero grazed a guardrail, ran a red light, and made a sharp left turn, entering the northbound lanes while traveling south.
The area was marked with clear “WRONG WAY,” “DO NOT ENTER,” and “ONE WAY” signs. Crash reconstructionists determined that Marrero’s driving was not due to vehicle defects or signage issues, concluding that his actions caused the crash.
A truck driver observed the Jeep traveling the wrong way and called 911. Another trooper broadcast a warning to State Police, which Trainor, who had recently finished a public safety detail, had on his cruiser's radio.
Trainor’s cruiser was the first to encounter Marrero’s Jeep. Investigators estimated Trainor’s cruiser was traveling between 60.4 and 68.6 mph, and Marrero’s Jeep between 56.4 and 61.4 mph at the time of impact.
District Attorney Paul Tucker stated that Trainor acted with “exemplary courage and self-sacrifice,” suggesting his actions likely prevented a greater tragedy.
Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey described Trainor as a dedicated public servant, highlighting his service, courage, and selflessness. Trainor was a graduate of Salem State and the State Police Academy and was remembered as a son, brother, fiancé, coach, and mentor.