In the quiet early hours of January 7, 2026, tragedy struck the town of Uxbridge, Massachusetts, as a police officer lost his life while performing the very duty that defines his profession—helping others. Officer Stephen LaPorta, a 43-year-old resident of Uxbridge, was fatally struck by a tractor-trailer while assisting a stranded driver on the northbound lanes of Route 146, a major artery in Worcester County that borders Rhode Island, according to reporting from the Boston Herald and other local outlets.
The incident occurred at approximately 12:45 a.m., when Officer LaPorta responded to a call about a broken-down vehicle. As he worked to help the motorist, a tractor-trailer operator crashed into him, resulting in fatal injuries. First responders rushed to the scene and provided medical aid, but LaPorta was declared dead on site, as confirmed by Uxbridge police in a press release later that afternoon.
The loss has sent shockwaves through the Uxbridge Police Department and the broader community. The department hung black bunting above its main entrance, a somber symbol of mourning, while condolences poured in from across Massachusetts. Police Chief Marc Montminy captured the depth of the department’s grief in a public statement, saying, “This is a devastating loss for our department and our community. Our thoughts and prayers are with the officer’s family, loved ones, and fellow officers during this incredibly difficult time.”
Officer LaPorta is survived by his wife and a 13-year-old son, a detail that has only deepened the sense of loss for those who knew him. At an afternoon news conference, Chief Montminy spoke of LaPorta’s dedication to duty and his commitment to the people of Uxbridge, noting the officer’s willingness to face danger in order to protect others. “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,” Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey said, as reported by the Boston Herald.
Governor Healey ordered flags to be flown at half-staff at all state buildings in honor of Officer LaPorta. The tribute was echoed by law enforcement agencies across the region, with police departments sending cruisers to join a solemn procession that accompanied LaPorta’s body to the medical examiner’s office before daybreak. The Boston Police Patrolmen’s Association described LaPorta as a “fallen hero” and called the news “heartbreaking,” adding, “Another police officer killed in the line of duty. This time in Uxbridge. The officer was involved in a motor vehicle crash while attempting to assist a motorist on Rte. 146 early this morning. Our thoughts and prayers are with the officer’s family and the entire Uxbridge Police Department during this incredibly difficult time.”
Route 146 was closed for hours following the crash as the Massachusetts State Police launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident. The icy, frozen road surface, a hazard familiar to Massachusetts drivers in winter, may have played a role. The highway was finally reopened around 10 a.m., but the sense of loss has lingered far longer.
LaPorta’s journey to becoming a full-time patrolman was marked by dedication and steady service to his community. In June 2024, he was promoted to full-time patrolman after previously working as a full-time dispatcher and part-time patrolman with the Uxbridge Police Department. The department celebrated his promotion on social media, stating, “He may seem familiar to you all because Ofc. LaPorta has already been actively serving our wonderful town as a full-time Dispatcher and working part-time patrol shifts. He has put in the work to switch his role up and come to the patrol side full time! Let’s give him a warm congrats Uxy!”
For many in Uxbridge, Officer LaPorta was more than just a uniformed presence. Community organization Uxbridge First Holy Night expressed the collective grief of the town in a heartfelt statement: “Our officers are more than public servants — they are neighbors, friends, parents, children, and family. When one of our own falls, we all grieve together. Uxbridge is a close-knit community, and in moments like this, we lean on one another. May we surround this family and our police department with compassion, strength, and support in the days ahead.”
The sense of solidarity was palpable in the hours and days following the crash. Police officers from across the region joined the procession for LaPorta, a gesture that underscored the brotherhood and sisterhood of law enforcement. State Representative Mike Soter, whose district includes Uxbridge, captured the sentiment of many when he posted, “This is so close to home. May GOD watch over this officer’s family and his fellow officers today as they need our strength as a community. May the officer’s memory be eternal always!”
As the Massachusetts State Police continue their investigation, details about the crash remain limited. No further information about the cause or any potential charges has been released as of this writing. The community, meanwhile, is left to grapple with the sudden loss of a man who, by all accounts, was devoted to his family, his colleagues, and his town.
Officer LaPorta’s death comes at a time when the dangers faced by law enforcement officers are once again in the spotlight. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks officers take every day, often in the most routine of circumstances. Helping a stranded motorist in the middle of the night is the kind of call that officers answer without hesitation, but as this tragedy shows, even acts of kindness and service can turn perilous in an instant.
The outpouring of support from fellow officers, public officials, and residents speaks to the impact LaPorta had during his time with the Uxbridge Police Department. His progression from dispatcher to full-time patrolman is a testament to his commitment and adaptability—traits that colleagues and community members alike have praised.
As Uxbridge mourns, the town’s resilience and unity have come to the fore. The black bunting hanging over the police department’s entrance is more than a symbol of grief; it is a reminder of the bonds that tie the community together, especially in times of loss. While the investigation into the crash continues, the memory of Officer Stephen LaPorta—his service, his sacrifice, and his dedication—remains vivid in the hearts of those he served.
Officer LaPorta’s legacy will be felt for years to come, not only by his family and fellow officers but by all who call Uxbridge home. In a town that prides itself on being close-knit, his ultimate act of service will not be forgotten.
