In the early hours of January 7, 2026, tragedy struck the quiet town of Uxbridge, Massachusetts, as a police officer lost their life while performing a routine act of public service. According to multiple local news outlets, including WJAR, WHDH, WLNE, and WPRI, the officer was struck and killed by a passing vehicle on Route 146 northbound near Exit 6, just as they were assisting a stranded motorist. The accident, which occurred around 12:40 a.m., has left the Uxbridge Police Department and the wider community in mourning.
The Massachusetts State Police Department confirmed that the officer, whose identity has not yet been released, succumbed to their injuries despite the immediate and valiant efforts of emergency responders. The crash led to the full closure of Route 146 northbound for several hours, as investigators and crews worked through the night and into the morning commute to process the scene and gather evidence. The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) was also present, working alongside state and local police to ensure safety and facilitate the investigation.
This incident unfolded during hazardous weather conditions. As reported by WHDH and corroborated by police scanner audio, the roads across Massachusetts were coated with a treacherous layer of ice after a night of freezing temperatures. One officer was heard describing the roadway as "an ice rink up here," just minutes before the fatal accident. The perilous state of the highway likely contributed to the series of crashes reported in the same area that night.
State Representative Joe McKenna broke the news to the public, stating that the officer was "accidentally killed while helping a broken down vehicle on Route 146." Massachusetts State Representative Steve Xiarhos also confirmed that the officer was struck by a passing vehicle while assisting a driver overnight, highlighting the inherent risks faced by law enforcement officers when responding to roadside emergencies, especially in adverse weather conditions.
In the immediate aftermath, Uxbridge Police Chief Marc Montminy issued a heartfelt statement, underscoring the depth of the loss: "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." The chief’s words echoed through the town and beyond, as condolences poured in from police departments across Massachusetts, many leaving messages of support on the Uxbridge Police Department’s Facebook page.
The impact of the tragedy was felt not just within the police force but throughout the entire community. Black bunting was draped over the entrance to the Uxbridge police station, and the American flag was lowered to half-staff as a mark of respect and mourning. Counseling services were made available to officers and other department members, recognizing the emotional toll such a loss inflicts on those who serve together. According to WHDH, the somber mood extended far beyond the department’s walls, with residents and neighboring agencies expressing grief and solidarity.
Route 146 northbound at Exit 6 remained closed through the morning commute, causing significant disruption for local travelers but ensuring investigators could thoroughly examine the scene. The closure, while inconvenient, was a necessary measure as officials sought to piece together the circumstances that led to the officer’s death. As WPRI reported, the highway was expected to remain shut for several hours while the investigation continued.
In a poignant tribute, a solemn procession took place more than five hours after the crash. Led by the Massachusetts State Police, the procession included the medical examiner and fellow law enforcement officers, who escorted their fallen colleague from Route 146. The sight of police vehicles moving in unison, lights flashing in silent honor, was a powerful reminder of the risks officers face and the camaraderie that binds them together in times of crisis.
The identity of the officer has not yet been released, pending notification of family members. This respectful withholding of personal details is standard practice in such cases, allowing loved ones the dignity of privacy as they grapple with their loss. The incident remains under investigation, with authorities working to determine all contributing factors—including the role of icy road conditions and the sequence of events that led to the fatal collision.
Uxbridge, a town located about 45 miles southwest of Boston and 25 miles north of Providence, Rhode Island, is not accustomed to such headlines. The death of a police officer in the line of duty is a rare and profound event, shaking the sense of safety and routine that typically characterizes small-town life. As WLNE noted, the tragedy has left the community searching for answers and comfort in the face of sudden loss.
Public officials have been quick to acknowledge the sacrifice made by the officer. Representative McKenna shared his condolences publicly, saying, "I am praying for this officer, their family, the Uxbridge Police Department, and the community—for peace and healing." His words, echoed by others in government and law enforcement, reflect the collective grief and the high esteem in which the fallen officer is held.
For the officers who remain, the path forward will not be easy. The provision of counseling and support services is a critical step in helping colleagues process their grief and continue to serve the community. The visible symbols of mourning—the black bunting, the lowered flag, the silent procession—serve as reminders of the risks inherent in police work and the profound sense of duty that compels officers to respond, even in dangerous conditions.
As the investigation continues, many in Uxbridge and across Massachusetts will be watching closely for answers. The hope is that a careful review of the circumstances will yield lessons that can help prevent similar tragedies in the future, whether through improved safety protocols, better communication during hazardous weather, or increased public awareness of the dangers faced by first responders on the roadside.
For now, the town of Uxbridge mourns the loss of one of its own—a police officer who died while serving others, in the darkest hours of a cold January morning. The legacy of service and sacrifice endures in the hearts of colleagues, family, and a grateful community.
