On November 28th 2024, Endicott Sergeant Jermey Cole was pronounced dead on site after being struck by a man driving head on. Sergeant Cole was believed to be on his way home to his family after his evening shift at Endicott College. The defendant, Keoma Daurte, although still alive, was airlifted off the scene and rushed to the hospital. 

Once he was stabilized, he denied his involvement in the accident despite his totaled car and distinctive level of alcohol consumption. 

The officers at the scene of the crash claimed they had been chasing the defendant down I 95 North before the accident. Daurte pulled into a liquor store minutes after midnight, unfortunately for him the liquor store was closed. He proceeded to get back on the road as the police continued to chase him. The defendant had been driving towards traffic and refused to stop or slow down until the accident.

Police state that bottles of liquor were found inside of the defendants car along with marijuana and other drugs. The officers found records of Daurte’s history with driving infractions including multiple car accidents that he allegedly caused. 

Remaining on bed rest, Duarte logged into his court hearing where he was arraigned and now faces various charges including manslaughter, driving under the influence and motor vehicle homicide by reckless operation.  

The following Tuesday evening Endicott students and staff members gathered around to honor Sergeant Cole and to appreciate the meaningful impact he had on the lives of those around him. According to an interview on NBC 10 Boston, “He touched every single person on campus,” said the student.  “I don’t know if there was anyone on campus quite like he was.”

Students expressed their feelings of gratitude for the memories and moments they shared with him. “I had never talked to him but I heard people loved him. They called him “J Cole” like the rapper,” said Endicott student and Nashoba grad, Ethan Amaral.