Braintree, Massachusetts, August 28, 2025
News Summary
Massachusetts State Police trooper Enrique Delgado-Garcia died following blunt force injuries sustained during a boxing training session at the police academy. Enrolled in the academy and nearing graduation, he suffered an intracranial hemorrhage due to blunt impact injuries to the head. The academy’s boxing program has been suspended while an independent investigation is ongoing, costing over $430,000 to date. The family expressed frustration over the lengthy inquiry and plans to conduct their own review of the autopsy report.
New Braintree, Mass.
Massachusetts State Police trooper Enrique Delgado-Garcia died after suffering blunt force injuries during a boxing training exercise at the Massachusetts State Police Academy in New Braintree. Delgado-Garcia was hospitalized on September 12, 2024, and died the following day on September 13, 2024. An autopsy determined the immediate cause of death to be complications of intracranial hemorrhages due to blunt impact injuries to the head.
Key facts
- Delgado-Garcia was enrolled in the academy and was about five months into training to become a state trooper when the incident occurred.
- The autopsy described blunt force injuries to the head and neck, including contusions around both eyes and severe internal injuries. A separate heart condition listed as perimyocarditis with progression to inflammatory cardiomyopathy was noted but was not identified as the cause of death.
- The academy’s boxing program has been suspended pending the outcome of an independent review.
- An independent investigation has been underway for more than 11 months. The investigation is being led by an attorney appointed by the Massachusetts Attorney General’s office after the Worcester County District Attorney recused his office due to prior ties to Delgado-Garcia.
- By the end of May, the cost of the independent investigation had exceeded $430,000.
Investigation, oversight and response
The investigation into the circumstances of Delgado-Garcia’s injuries and subsequent death remains active. The Worcester County District Attorney recused his office because the trooper had prior employment there, prompting the appointment of an independent attorney by the Attorney General’s office to avoid conflicts of interest. The Massachusetts State Police have stated they are cooperating with the independent probe.
As part of internal review and reform efforts, the State Police are assessing training practices, injury prevention protocols and organizational culture at the academy. The boxing curriculum that produced the injuries has been put on hold while those reviews take place and the independent investigation continues.
Family actions and legal review
The family of Delgado-Garcia has retained legal representation and has expressed frustration over the length of the investigation, describing a lengthy wait for answers. The family’s attorney has criticized the academy’s oversight of the boxing exercises and the way recruits were paired during training. The family plans to have an independent expert review the autopsy report. A death certificate is expected to be filed with the Worcester City Clerk in the near future.
Context and background
Delgado-Garcia was nearing graduation from the academy, with only weeks left in his training at the time of the incident. The autopsy findings and the external review are central to determining whether training practices contributed to the blunt force injuries that led to intracranial bleeding. The suspension of the boxing program and the broader review of training procedures aim to address safety concerns and reduce the risk of similar incidents.
The ongoing review and the costs associated with the independent investigation reflect both the complexity of the medical and operational questions involved and the desire to ensure impartial oversight. Officials have indicated condolences and recognition of Delgado-Garcia’s service while the investigation continues.
What comes next
- The independent attorney appointed by the Attorney General’s office will continue to collect evidence, review medical findings and interview witnesses as part of the active investigation.
- The State Police will continue internal reviews of training and safety protocols and will decide on changes to the academy curriculum based on findings.
- The Delgado-Garcia family’s expert review of the autopsy report may produce further medical analysis that could be shared with investigators and could inform any administrative or legal actions.
- A death certificate filing with the Worcester City Clerk is expected soon and may provide formal confirmation of the medical cause of death for public records.
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused Enrique Delgado-Garcia’s death?
An autopsy found the immediate cause of death to be complications of intracranial hemorrhages resulting from blunt impact injuries to the head. Other blunt force injuries to the head and neck were noted. A separate heart condition was recorded but was not considered the cause of death.
When did the incident occur?
The trooper was hospitalized on September 12, 2024, after a boxing training exercise and died on September 13, 2024.
Who is investigating the death?
An independent attorney appointed by the Massachusetts Attorney General’s office is conducting the investigation after the Worcester County District Attorney recused his office due to a prior connection to the trooper.
Has the academy made any immediate changes?
The boxing program at the academy has been suspended while investigators review what happened and the State Police assess training practices and safety protocols.
What will the family do next?
The family has engaged legal counsel and plans to have its own expert review the autopsy findings. The family has also indicated a desire for clear answers about the circumstances that led to the trooper’s death.
How long has the investigation been ongoing and what is the cost?
The independent investigation has been ongoing for more than 11 months, and by the end of May the cost of that investigation exceeded $430,000.
Quick reference table
| Topic | Status / Details | Next Steps |
|---|---|---|
| Incident date | Hospitalized Sept. 12, 2024; died Sept. 13, 2024 | Official records and death certificate filing expected soon |
| Cause of death | Intracranial hemorrhages due to blunt impact injuries to the head | Independent review of autopsy and medical records ongoing |
| Training program | Boxing program suspended at the academy | State Police reviewing training, injury prevention and culture |
| Investigation lead | Independent attorney appointed by the Attorney General’s office | Investigation continues; evidence and witness interviews ongoing |
| Cost | Exceeded $430,000 by end of May | Costs will continue as investigation proceeds |
| Family actions | Family retained counsel and plans independent expert review | Family expert will review autopsy and may share findings with investigators |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Former Massachusetts State Trooper Appeals Termination
Former Trooper Appeals Termination at Civil Service Hearing
Investigation Underway After Man Found Dead in Weymouth Hospital Parking Lot
Investigation Underway After Body Found in Weymouth Hospital Parking Lot
Multi-Vehicle Collision in Nashua Claims Life of 85-Year-Old
Teen Arrested After Fatal Crash in Marblehead
Fatal Multi-Vehicle Crash on F.E. Everett Turnpike
Boston Police Officer Resigns Amid Misconduct Investigation
Karen Read Acquitted of Major Charges in Police Officer’s Death
Boston Bus Driver Resigns After Fatal Crash Involving Child
Additional Resources
- NBC Boston: Enrique Delgado-Garcia Autopsy
- CBS News: Delgado-Garcia Cause of Death
- MassLive: Autopsy for State Police Recruit
- Boston.com: Ex-Trooper Hearing Livestream
- Boston Herald: Proctor Pleads for Job Back
- Wikipedia: Massachusetts State Police
- Google Search: Enrique Delgado-Garcia
- Google Scholar: Delgado-Garcia Investigation
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Police
- Google News: Enrique Delgado-Garcia
Author: STAFF HERE BOSTON WRITER
BOSTON STAFF 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.
