York Regional Police officer killed in crash on way to work

The chief of York Regional Police says an officer with the force was killed in a collision on his way to work Wednesday morning.

Chief Jim MacSween confirmed in a news release that 38-year-old Const. Travis Gillespie died at the scene of a crash around 6 a.m. at Major Mackenzie Dr. and Warden Ave. in Markham.

“This is devastating news for all members of our organization,” said MacSween in the news release.

“I offer my deepest condolences to Travis’ family, friends and colleagues. It’s never easy to lose a member and to have lost Travis so unexpectedly is very difficult.”

It is with great sadness that I share the tragic passing of @YRP Constable Travis Gillespie who was killed in a collision on his way to work today. He is survived by his parents, loved ones and colleagues. This unexpected loss is devastating for all members of our organization. pic.twitter.com/JWa6UH5FUS

— Chief Jim MacSween (@chiefmacsween) September 14, 2022

Officers say a 23-year-old Markham man was driving a Porsche Cayenne when he collided with Gillespie, who was driving a white Honda Accord.

The 23-year-old driver was taken to hospital, police said.

“In order to ensure members of York Regional Police are not further traumatized by this incident, the Peel Regional Police Major Collision Unit will be conducting the investigation into this collision,” York Regional Police said in the release.

Const. Gillespie was sworn in as a police constable on April 29, 2020.

Prior to joining York Regional Police, he worked as a Metrolinx/GO Transit special constable and had volunteered his time to Community Living and Primal MMA Academy.

He is survived by his parents, loved ones and colleagues.

Anyone with information is asked to call Peel police 1-866-876-5423, ext. 7704.