A newly released district attorney report reveals that Hernan Marrero, 50, of Roslindale, was served nine alcoholic drinks at Tribu Mexican Kitchen and Bar in Saugus before driving the wrong way on Route 1 and fatally crashing into Massachusetts State Police Trooper Kevin Trainor’s cruiser.

Marrero had a blood alcohol concentration of 0.192—more than twice the legal limit—when his Jeep Wrangler collided head-on with Trooper Trainor’s vehicle around 2:04 a.m. on May 6 in Lynnfield, Essex County. Both Marrero and Trainor, a 30-year-old trooper from Georgetown, died in the crash.

The report details Marrero’s final hours, noting he first stopped at a Waltham restaurant where he received one complimentary drink before closing out his tab at 7:42 p.m. He later arrived at Tribu Mexican Kitchen and Bar at 9:15 p.m., where he was served a margarita five minutes later and ultimately consumed nine drinks.

Marrero drove approximately 1.8 miles the wrong way on Route 1 before the fatal collision. A truck driver witnessing the wrong-way driving called 911, and another trooper broadcasted a warning to nearby State Police units.

Essex County District Attorney Paul Tucker said Trooper Trainor likely prevented a greater tragedy through his willingness to risk his life to protect the public before the crash.

Sources