The Massachusetts State Police have temporarily halted full-contact boxing training for recruits following the tragic death of a trainee. Enrique Delgado-Garcia, 25, from Worcester, succumbed at a hospital on September 13, just one day after participating in a boxing exercise at the Massachusetts State Police Academy in New Braintree, located approximately 80 miles west of Boston.
Delgado-Garcia was wearing protective boxing gloves and headgear during the training session. A medical team responded urgently to his condition and transported him to the hospital, where he later passed away. The exact cause and manner of death have yet to be disclosed, although family members have reported that he suffered broken teeth and a neck fracture.
Tim McGuirk, a spokesperson for the police department, confirmed that full-contact boxing training activities have been suspended indefinitely. In light of the incident, Colonel John Mawn Jr., the head of the state police, has called for an investigation by the agency’s detective unit, which collaborates with the Worcester County District Attorney’s office.
Due to a conflict of interest, Worcester District Attorney Joseph Early Jr. has announced plans to appoint another agency to handle the investigation, as Delgado-Garcia previously worked in his office as a victim witness advocate prior to entering the state police training program in April.
McGuirk stated that the department fully supports investigatory efforts and is urging the Worcester County District Attorney’s Office to promptly designate an independent investigator. Additionally, Colonel Mawn has directed the Division of Standards and Training to conduct a thorough review of the Academy’s defensive tactics program.
The ongoing review aims to evaluate safety protocols, training methods, and curriculum, along with medical and health considerations. Feedback is being solicited from recruits, instructors, and other stakeholders.
Specifics about the boxing training exercise that Delgado-Garcia was involved in have not been made public. The boxing program is part of a rigorous 25-week curriculum designed to be physically and mentally challenging for recruits, as stated by the academy.
Delgado-Garcia’s class is set to graduate on October 9, with him having taken the oath of office just hours before his untimely death. A native of Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico, he moved to Worcester as a child and earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Westfield State University.
Described in his obituary as an exceptional individual devoted to serving others, Delgado-Garcia aspired to be a state trooper and to impact his community positively. A funeral service has been planned for Saturday.
