Uxbridge, Massachusetts, January 9, 2026
The town of Uxbridge, Massachusetts, is in mourning following the tragic death of Officer Stephen LaPorta, who was killed while assisting a disabled motorist. Just 43 years old, LaPorta was struck by a tractor-trailer on a hazardous section of Route 146. His passing has left a profound impact on the community, as residents and law enforcement agencies express their condolences and honor his service. Officer LaPorta’s dedication to public safety will be remembered as a testament to his heroism.
Uxbridge
Uxbridge Mourns Fallen Officer Stephen LaPorta, Killed in Line of Duty
A profound sorrow has settled over the town of Uxbridge, Massachusetts, following the death of Officer Stephen LaPorta, 43, who was killed in the line of duty early Wednesday morning, January 7, 2026. Officer LaPorta was fatally struck by a tractor-trailer around 12:40 a.m. on the northbound side of Route 146 near mile marker 5.6 while rendering aid to a disabled motorist. Despite immediate life-saving efforts by emergency responders, Officer LaPorta was pronounced dead at the scene. His untimely passing leaves behind a wife and a 13-year-old child, and a community grappling with the weight of this sacrifice.
The incident unfolded on a dangerously icy stretch of highway, where freezing rain contributed to hazardous road conditions. Officer LaPorta was outside his patrol vehicle, assisting the driver of a crashed vehicle, when he was hit. The driver he was assisting was not injured, while the driver of the tractor-trailer sustained minor injuries and was transported to a local hospital. The Massachusetts State Police are leading an ongoing investigation into the crash, with no charges filed as of yet.
Widespread Condolences and Community Response
The news of Officer LaPorta’s death evoked a wave of grief and solidarity across the Commonwealth. Uxbridge Police Chief Marc Montminy articulated the department’s profound devastation, acknowledging Officer LaPorta as a hero who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to the community. In a somber expression of mourning, black bunting has been draped over the entrance of the Uxbridge Police Department headquarters, and flags were lowered to half-staff. Residents, in a poignant display of gratitude and sorrow, have begun leaving flowers on a police cruiser parked outside the station in his honor.
Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey ordered flags at all state buildings to be flown at half-staff, extending her prayers to Officer LaPorta’s loved ones and reflecting on the bravery inherent in law enforcement’s daily duties. Many law enforcement agencies across the state, including the Boston Police Department, Auburn Police Department, and Randolph Police Department, have publicly conveyed their sincere condolences to the Uxbridge Police Department and Officer LaPorta’s family and colleagues. A solemn procession of police cruisers escorted Officer LaPorta’s body from the scene, a moving testament to the bond shared within the law enforcement community. Counseling services are being made available to the officers and members of the Uxbridge Police Department to assist them through this difficult period.
A Career of Service
Officer Stephen LaPorta, at 43 years old, had dedicated his life to public service. He had been a full-time officer with the Uxbridge Police Department since June 2024, serving for over one year. Prior to joining the Uxbridge force, he served for 17 years as a full-time dispatcher and a detail officer in Mendon, Massachusetts. Colleagues remember him as a dedicated public servant, a hardworking individual, and a genuinely good person who brought a positive spirit to his work. His progression from dispatcher to full-time police officer was a realization of what colleagues described as his lifelong dream. The inherent risks undertaken by law enforcement officers are brought into stark relief by such a tragedy, prompting reflection on the profound human cost of safeguarding public safety.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to Uxbridge Police Officer Stephen LaPorta?
Uxbridge Police Officer Stephen LaPorta was killed in the line of duty on January 7, 2026, when he was struck by a tractor-trailer while assisting a disabled motorist on an icy Route 146 in Uxbridge, Massachusetts.
When did the incident involving Officer Stephen LaPorta occur?
The incident occurred early Wednesday morning, January 7, 2026, around 12:40 a.m..
Where did Officer LaPorta’s death take place?
Officer LaPorta’s death occurred on the northbound side of Route 146 near mile marker 5.6 in Uxbridge, Massachusetts.
What were the road conditions at the time of the crash?
Road conditions at the time were described as dangerously icy due to freezing rain.
Is an investigation into the crash ongoing?
Yes, the Massachusetts State Police are leading an investigation into the crash, and no charges have been filed yet.
Who is Officer Stephen LaPorta survived by?
Officer Stephen LaPorta is survived by his wife and a 13-year-old child.
How long had Officer LaPorta served with the Uxbridge Police Department?
Officer LaPorta had served as a full-time officer with the Uxbridge Police Department for over one year, having joined in June 2024.
Key Details of the Incident
| Feature | Detail | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Deceased Officer | Officer Stephen LaPorta | State-level |
| Age | 43 years old | State-level |
| Department | Uxbridge Police Department | State-level |
| Date of Incident | January 7, 2026 | State-level |
| Time of Incident | Around 12:40 a.m. | State-level |
| Location of Incident | Northbound Route 146, Uxbridge, Massachusetts | State-level |
| Cause of Death | Struck by a tractor-trailer while assisting a disabled motorist | State-level |
| Survived By | Wife and 13-year-old child | State-level |
| Previous Service | 17 years as dispatcher in Mendon | State-level |
| Investigation Status | Ongoing by Massachusetts State Police | State-level |
| Flags Ordered Half-Staff | All state buildings in Massachusetts | State-level |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Uxbridge Community Honors Fallen Officer
Author: STAFF HERE BOSTON WRITER
The BOSTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBoston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Boston, Suffolk County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Boston Marathon, Head of the Charles Regatta, and Boston Harborfest. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce and Associated Industries of Massachusetts, plus leading businesses in finance, biotech, and insurance that power the local economy such as Fidelity Investments, Biogen, and Liberty Mutual Insurance. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Massachusetts's dynamic landscape.
