Family Demands Justice as 26-Year-Old Remains Unresponsive Following Crash Involving State Trooper in Brockton

BROCKTON, Mass. — A local family continues to hold a bedside vigil and call for accountability more than two months after a devastating crash involving a Massachusetts State Police cruiser left a 26-year-old woman critically injured and fighting for her life.

Leylani Tavares has remained unresponsive in the hospital since the night of August 11, when her vehicle collided with a state police cruiser on Belmont Street shortly before 11:00 p.m. Her mother, Claudia Tavares, described Leylani as “the joy of the house,” emphasizing the deep emotional and physical toll the tragedy has taken on their family.

“Our lives stopped that night,” her family shared during a recent gathering. “We are here every single day waiting for a sign, waiting for her to wake up.”

The cruiser was driven by Trooper Robert Ladue, a recent graduate of the Massachusetts State Police Academy, who suffered a broken arm in the impact. Following an internal investigation, Massachusetts State Police officially cited Trooper Ladue with negligent operation of a motor vehicle and speeding.

Despite the citations, state police officials emphasized that traffic citations do not automatically determine criminal guilt or establish civil liability. The case has been handed over to the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office, which continues to conduct an independent review to determine whether formal criminal charges will be filed against the trooper.

As the legal process moves forward slowly, the Tavares family remains focused on Leylani’s care while pushing for transparency regarding the circumstances of the collision. Community members and family advocates have rallied around the family, demanding a thorough and uncompromised investigation into the incident.

Updates on Leylani Tavares’ condition and any further legal action from the District Attorney’s Office will be reported as details become available.