In the early hours of January 7, 2026, tragedy struck the small Massachusetts town of Uxbridge. Officer Stephen LaPorta, a 43-year-old member of the Uxbridge Police Department, was killed while performing one of the most basic—and dangerous—duties of law enforcement: helping a stranded motorist. The fatal crash, which occurred around 12:40 a.m. on the northbound side of Route 146 near mile marker 5.6, has left a deep scar on the department and the broader community it serves.
According to multiple reports, including those from Telegram & Gazette and NBC Boston, Officer LaPorta was out of his cruiser, assisting a driver whose vehicle was disabled, when he and his patrol car were struck by a passing tractor-trailer. Emergency responders rushed to the scene and performed lifesaving measures, but LaPorta was pronounced dead at the site. The driver of the tractor-trailer sustained minor injuries and was taken to a local hospital, while the motorist LaPorta had been helping was unharmed.
The conditions that night were treacherous. Police described the highway as an "ice rink," with temperatures hovering near 30 degrees, light rain turning to freezing drizzle, and fog further reducing visibility. According to police radio transmissions obtained by Telegram & Gazette, officers had been responding to multiple accidents in the area due to the slick roads. At one point, a dispatcher relayed that officers' cruisers were sliding as they attempted to reach calls for help. The Massachusetts Department of Transportation was summoned to treat the hazardous stretch, but the danger remained acute.
Chief Marc Montminy, who leads the Uxbridge Police Department, spoke with a heavy heart at an afternoon news conference. "This is a devastating loss for our department and our community," he said. "Our thoughts and prayers are with the officer’s family, loved ones, and fellow officers during this incredibly difficult time." Montminy added, "Officer LaPorta gave his life in service of the community—a sacrifice we will never forget. In our eyes, he was a hero." The department also released a statement urging the public and media to respect the privacy of LaPorta's family as they grieve.
Officer LaPorta leaves behind a wife and a 13-year-old child. His loss is not only a professional tragedy for the department but a deeply personal one for his loved ones. The pain was palpable at the Uxbridge police station, where black bunting was draped above the entrance and flags flew at half-staff. In a somber procession, police cruisers from across the region escorted LaPorta’s body from the scene, a powerful gesture of solidarity from the broader law enforcement community.
Support poured in from across Massachusetts. Police departments from Franklin, Needham, Chelmsford, Carlisle, Medway, Wilmington, and the Norfolk County Sheriff’s Office all expressed their condolences on social media. The Worcester and Boston Police Departments posted tributes as well. Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey ordered flags at all state buildings to be flown at half-staff and issued a heartfelt statement: "I am heartbroken over the news of Officer Stephen LaPorta’s passing. He knew he was headed into a dangerous situation when he responded to the scene of a multi-vehicle crash, but like all of our officers do day in and day out, he put the public’s safety first—and he tragically made the ultimate sacrifice. My prayers are with his loved ones, the Uxbridge Police Department, and our brave law enforcement and public safety officials all across the state. I ask Massachusetts residents to take a moment today to reflect on the bravery of Officer LaPorta and thank members of law enforcement for all that they do to keep us safe.”
The community response was immediate and heartfelt. Residents brought flowers, food, and messages of support to the police station. Solines Campbell, the wife of a Milford police officer, arrived with her son and pastries. "I immediately think of their partner and if they have kids and their family. It's definitely a thought on our minds because I've been the wife of a police officer for 19-plus years and it's one of those things you try not to think about and when it happens, you just kind of pour your heart out to whoever you can and do what you can to help the community and help the family," she told Telegram & Gazette. Steve Saucier of Upton echoed these sentiments, saying, “We are showing respect for all these men and women who do this every day and a lot of time they get brow beat for doing their jobs.”
The loss of Officer LaPorta was felt deeply within the law enforcement community, particularly among those who understand the risks officers face daily. Former Yarmouth Police Chief Frank Frederickson, who experienced a similar tragedy during his tenure, emphasized the importance of ongoing support. "From a chief's perspective, it is overwhelming, and quite honestly, nobody is ever prepared for it. That is so important as they move through, and it just won't end after all the ceremonies go away. That is when it probably hits you worse, when time has elapsed." Counseling and support services have been made available to all members of the Uxbridge Police Department as they process their grief.
Officer LaPorta’s journey to the Uxbridge Police Department was one marked by dedication and community service. He began his career as a dispatcher, then worked as a part-time patrolman before joining the department full-time in June 2024. Prior to that, he served as a senior-level dispatcher with the Mendon Police Department and graduated from the Municipal Police Training Committee Reserve Police Academy. In his short time as a full-time officer, LaPorta participated in community events, such as Girl Scouts cookie sales, demonstrating his commitment to building trust and connection with residents.
The investigation into the crash is ongoing, led by the Massachusetts State Police with assistance from Uxbridge officers. The driver of the tractor-trailer was treated for minor injuries, and authorities have not yet announced whether any charges will be filed. The road near Exit 6 was closed for much of the morning, reopening by 10 a.m., but not before significant traffic backups and a thorough scene investigation. The District Attorney’s Office has asked anyone who witnessed the collision to contact state police.
As the town of Uxbridge mourns, it is clear that Officer LaPorta’s sacrifice will not be forgotten. His dedication, both as a dispatcher and officer, left an indelible mark on the department and the people he served. The outpouring of support from fellow officers, officials, and ordinary citizens alike stands as a testament to the risks law enforcement officers accept each day—and the profound impact of a life devoted to public service. For many in Uxbridge, the memory of Officer Stephen LaPorta will serve as a lasting reminder of courage, community, and the ultimate price some pay in the line of duty.
