28-year-old Massachusetts Army man killed in car crash remembered for skilled service, sense of humor

A Massachusetts man who has served our country in the armed forces has died in a tragic crash.

According to police, on Friday, at just before 1:30 a.m., the Shrewsbury Police Department received a 911 call reporting a motor vehicle crash in the area of 800 Hartford Turnpike (Rt. 20). Multiple Shrewsbury officers responded, as well as Shrewsbury Fire and Worcester EMS personnel.

Upon arrival, the first officer on scene discovered a Ford sedan that had crashed, overturned and was resting upside down on its roof. The operator of the vehicle was tragically pronounced deceased at the scene.

It was determined that prior to emergency personnel arrival, a second vehicle, a Toyota sedan, had struck the Ford in the roadway after it had crashed. The Toyota was not involved in the initial crash, and that operator was not injured.

The deceased has been identified as 28-year-old Kevin Palardy of Marlborough.

According to an obituary, “in 2018, Kevin enlisted in the United States Army. He served two tours at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, and was a dedicated member of the United States Army Reserve, achieving the rank of Sergeant. An expert marksman, Kevin was highly respected within the Army community. He became well known for the colorful Hawaiian shirts he loved to wear, eventually starting a collection and often shipping shirts to fellow soldiers serving overseas to lift their spirits.”

According to a GoFundMe fundraiser created by a fellow soldier, “Kevin was the kind of guy who could make any situation better just by being there. He was goofy, easygoing, and always ready for whatever adventure the day turned into. Whether it was hanging out with friends, telling stories, or just going with the flow, Kevin had a way of bringing people together and making them laugh when they needed it most. His mentors often refer to his one of the best soldiers they’d ever had. Someone you could rely on no matter the situation. But beyond the uniform, Kevin was simply an incredible friend. The kind of person who showed up when you needed him, who made life a little lighter, and who left a lasting impression on everyone lucky enough to know him.”

Hartford Turnpike was closed for several hours due to the crash, and traffic was diverted. Officer Charland and several other members from the CEMLEC (Central Massachusetts Law Enforcement Council) Crash Reconstruction team responded to the scene, and are investigating the crash. The Shrewsbury PD Drone unit responded to assist with the investigation, and the Northborough Police Department assisted with traffic.

Calling hours for Palardy will be held Friday March 13th from 6-9 PM in the Collins Funeral Home, 378 Lincoln Street, Marlborough. A funeral service will be held Saturday March 14th at 10 AM in Grace Church, 353 River Road, Hudson. Burial with military honors will follow at Evergreen Cemetery, Wilson Street, Marlborough.