Durham police identify recruit killed in Ontario crash

One person has died following a crash involving a transport truck and car on Imperial Road near Aylmer, Ont.

Durham Regional Police Service (DRPS) has identified the recruit who was killed in a collision on Tuesday, remembering him as a “compassionate, dedicated, and service-driven individual who believed deeply in helping others and making a positive difference in the community.”

In a statement, Durham police shared that he is Tyrone Magbitang, a 27-year-old constable-in-training.

Magbitang, along with another unnamed cadet, were travelling to the Ontario Police College late Tuesday morning, which is in the Township of Malahide near Aylmer, Ont., when they collided with a transport truck.

The OPP has confirmed that Magbitang was driving a sedan that was involved in the collision.

Police said he died at the scene, while the other trainee sustained life-threatening injuries and was rushed to a local hospital.

The driver of the tractor-trailer was not hurt.

• READ MORE: Durham police recruit killed, another in life-threatening condition, after collision near Ontario Police College

Magbitang joined Durham police in 2023

Magbitang joined Durham police in May 2023 as a special constable.

This past April, he was selected as a police constable recruit, taking the “next step toward achieving his lifelong dream of becoming a police officer,” they said.

The constable-in-training had completed his studies in police foundations at Durham College and was pursuing a career in public safety with “determination, humility, and an unwavering commitment to serving those around him,” said DRPS.

Police went on to say that while Magbitan’s service with them was “far too short,” he made a “lasting impression.”

“He will be remembered for his kindness, professionalism, and the tremendous potential he brought to our organization,” DRPS said.

“His loss is deeply felt throughout the Durham Regional Police Service and the wider policing community.”

Magbitang’s body to be transported to Toronto on Wednesday

On Wednesday, Magbitang’s body will be transported from London to the Centre for Forensic Sciences near Highway 401 and Keele Street in Toronto.

He will be accompanied by loved ones as well as members of DRPS as a “mark of respect and in recognition of his service and commitment to the profession he aspired to join.”

The procession is expected to arrive around 1 p.m., said DRPS.

“On behalf of the Durham Regional Police Service, we extend our deepest and most heartfelt condolences to Tyrone’s family, friends, colleagues, and loved ones. We mourn alongside them and remain committed to supporting all those affected by this unimaginable loss,” it said.

“We respectfully ask that the privacy of Tyrone’s family and those mourning his loss be honoured during this difficult time.”