State police respond to “tragic death” of recruit after medical incident

A Massachusetts State Police recruit who suffered a medical emergency during a training exercise was pronounced dead at a Massachusetts hospital late Friday night after being placed on life support, according to his family, as his loved ones gathered around him.

According to NewsCenter 5 sources, Enrique Delgado-Garcia became unresponsive in the boxing ring during a defensive tactics exercise at the State Police Academy on Thursday.

Police said the academy's on-site medical team, which includes dedicated UMass Medical staff, responded immediately and rendered assistance.

The 25-year-old recruit was determined to be in need of urgent medical attention and was transported to UMass Memorial Medical Center in Worcester.

State police said Delgado-Garcia was pronounced dead Friday evening.

“Despite the heroic efforts of medical personnel to take life-saving measures, intern Delgado-Garcia died in the hospital,” police said.

“We extend our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones,” Col. John E. Mawn Jr. said in a written statement. “They have our full support and care and remain full members of our State Police family.”

Mawn described Delgado-Garcia as “a fine young man” who was dedicated to serving others as a member of the 90th Recruit Training Troop at the Massachusetts State Police Academy in New Braintree.

“In his short time with the State Police, Enrique demonstrated an extraordinary capacity to learn and a desire to provide excellent police services to the people of Massachusetts,” Mawn wrote. “He made an immediate impression on his classmates and the Academy staff.”[oliceEnriquedemonstratedanextraordinarycapacitytolearnandadesiretodeliverexcellentpoliceservicestothepeopleofMassachusetts”Mawnwrote”Hemadeanimmediateimpressiononhisclassmatesandtheacademystaff”[oliceEnriquedemonstratedanextraordinarycapacitytolearnandadesiretodeliverexcellentpoliceservicestothepeopleofMassachusetts”Mawnwrote”Hemadeanimmediateimpressiononhisclassmatesandtheacademystaff”

Delgado-Garcia previously worked as a victim witness advocate in the Worcester County District Attorney's Office.

“The thoughts and prayers of our office are with him and his family during this time,” said a spokesman for the Worcester County District Attorney's Office.

Todd McGhee, a law enforcement and security analyst who previously headed the state police's defensive tactics program, said the curriculum includes 40 to 50 hours of training, including the use of force, such as batons, pepper spray and handcuffs.

“Thousands of recruits have gone through and participated in the boxing program with no problems,” McGhee said. “I think it's important to look at: How were the screenings done? What safety precautions were in place?”

Earlier this month, Governor Maura Healey appointed retired New Jersey Lt. Col. Geoffrey D. Noble as the department's new chief, beginning in October. He will be the first colonel to come from outside the agency.

Two years ago, about 20 trainees at the academy had to be treated for injuries after being forced to crawl “bear style” across hot asphalt.

Editor’s note: An earlier version of this story, citing NewsCenter 5 sources, said Enrique Delgado Garcia died late Friday afternoon. His family said he was still on life support at the hospital late Friday night.