Wrong-Way Crash on Route 1 Kills Massachusetts Trooper and Driver

Hernan Marrero, 50, of Roslindale, drove the wrong way on Route 1 for 1.8 miles before colliding head-on with Massachusetts State Trooper Kevin Trainor’s cruiser at about 2:04 a.m. on May 6, 2026, in Lynnfield, killing both men, New York Post reported. Marrero’s blood alcohol concentration measured 0.192 at the time of the crash.

He had been served nine alcoholic drinks at Tribu Mexican Kitchen and Bar on Route 1 North in Saugus between 9:20 p.m. , according to Essex County District Attorney Paul Tucker’s office. Marrero arrived at the restaurant at 9:15 p.m.

He had earlier stopped at a Waltham restaurant, where he received one complimentary drink before closing his tab at 7:42 p.m. He left the Tribu parking lot at 1:56 a.m. Marrero drove north on Route 1 for about 2.3 miles, entered a jughandle near Santarpio’s Pizza in Peabody, grazed a guardrail, ran a red light, and made a sharp left turn that put him southbound in the northbound lanes.

The area had clear “WRONG WAY,” “DO NOT ENTER,” and “ONE WAY” signs, investigators said. A truck driver who saw the Jeep called 911, and another trooper broadcast a warning. Trainor, who had clocked out at 1:52 a.m.

After a public safety detail, had his cruiser radio tuned to the channel carrying the alerts. His cruiser struck Marrero’s Jeep at speeds between 60.4 and 68.6 mph while the Jeep traveled between 56.4 and 61.4 mph. Crash reconstructionists found no vehicle defect or signage problem caused the wrong-way driving.

The Massachusetts Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission issued Tribu a notice alleging civil violations including serving alcohol after hours and serving free drinks. A hearing is set for July 28. The DA’s office determined criminal charges against the restaurant are not sustainable.