OPP officer killed in Cobourg motorcycle crash, Highway 401 shut down in both directions

Highway 401 has been shut down in both directions between Highway 28 and Burnham Street after a collision has left a motorcyclist dead.

An OPP officer has been killed in a collision on eastbound Highway 401 in Cobourg on Monday, resulting in the highway being completely shut down in both directions.

In a news release, the Ontario Provincial Police said shortly after 5:30 p.m. members of its Northumberland detachment responded to reports of a single-vehicle crash involving a motorcycle on Highway 401 near Burnham Street North.

“A member of the OPP was pronounced deceased at the scene,” police said.

The officer has not been identified pending notification of next of kin.

“The OPP is assisting the member’s family as they deal with this tragedy. We acknowledge the significant impact of this tragic loss and extend our thoughts to everyone affected by this devastating incident,” the force wrote.

The circumstances surrounding this crash remain under investigation.

Currently, Highway 401 is closed in both directions from Highway 28 in Port Hope to Burnham.

Footage captured from CP24’s news chopper late Monday afternoon shows a white, possibly OPP, motorcycle on its side on the highway.

Multiple damaged OPP vehicles can also be seen nearby in what looks to be a secondary collision.

Numerous emergency responders are now at the scene, and police are asking motorists to avoid the area.

Condolences coming in

OPP Commissioner Thomas Carrique shared the news in a post on X, saying that the force’s “thoughts are with the officer’s loved ones and with OPP members during this devastating time, as we grieve the loss of one of our own.”

“We ask that the public join us in keeping the officer’s family, friends and colleagues in their thoughts as we navigate this profound loss,” he wrote.

In a statement, the OPP Association said it is “devastated” the loss of one of its members who as killed in the line of duty on Monday while operating a police motorcycle in Cobourg and offered its ““deepest condolences to the Member’s family, colleagues, and friends” during this difficult time.

“We are heartbroken over the death of our Member, who was killed in the line of duty while operating a police motorcycle in Cobourg,” OPP Association President David Sabatini said.

“While the circumstances surrounding the collision remain under investigation, this tragedy reminds us of the dangers our Members face every day while serving and protecting the citizens of Ontario.”

Ontario Premier Doug Ford, meanwhile, says he’s “very sad” to hear that an OPP officer was killed in the line of duty earlier today.

“My thoughts are with the officer’s family and loved ones, as well as all of our brave women and men in uniform across the province who risk their lives every day to protect Ontario,” he wrote in a post on X.

York Centre MPP Michael Kerzner, who serves as Ontario’s Solicitor General, also shared his condolences on social media, saying his “thoughts are with the officer’s family, loved ones, and the entire OPP and policing community during this incredibly difficult time.”

“We honour their service, their courage, and their commitment to protecting our communities and our province each and every day,” he wrote.

Ontario Provincial Police are asking anyone with further information, including video or dashcam footage, to contact them at 1-888-310-1122 or Crime Stoppers anonymously.