A Durham Regional Police Service recruit has died and a second is in life-threatening condition following a crash near the Ontario Police College, the same facility where recruits from Barrie Police Service and South Simcoe Police complete their basic training.
Durham Police Chief Peter Moreira confirmed the recruit who died was Tyrone Magbitang. He and another constable-in-training were headed to the college in Malahide Township, near Aylmer in southwestern Ontario, for a training session on Tuesday when the crash happened.
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What happened
The collision occurred just before 11:20 a.m. at the intersection of Imperial Road (Highway 73) and College Line, a few kilometres west of the Ontario Police College. It involved a sedan and a transport truck.
The OPP confirmed Magbitang was driving the sedan. He died at the scene. The other trainee, who has not been publicly identified, was rushed to hospital with life-threatening injuries. The driver of the transport truck was not hurt.
Const. Jeff Beaumaster of the OPP confirmed the driver of the tractor-trailer walked away uninjured.
Who was Tyrone Magbitang
Magbitang joined Durham Regional Police Service in May 2023 as a special constable. He had completed his studies in police foundations at Durham College and was working toward a full career in policing.
DRPS described him as someone who pursued that career with "determination, humility, and an unwavering commitment to serving those around him." The service said in a statement that while his time 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."
He was also remembered as a "compassionate, dedicated, and service-driven individual who believed deeply in helping others and making a positive difference in the community."
On Wednesday, Magbitang's body was set to be transported from London to the Centre for Forensic Sciences near Highway 401 and Keele Street in Toronto, accompanied by loved ones and DRPS members as what the service called "a mark of respect."
Police response
In his initial statement, Moreira said he was mourning "a profound loss."
He said in a statement the two constables in training were travelling to a training session when the crash happened.
He said the news that one of them died and the other remains in life-threatening condition is being shared with "deep sadness."
The chief said the force is focused on providing support and care to the recruits' families, loved ones and friends as they grieve. He said no further details would be provided while the OPP investigation continues.
Why it matters locally
The Ontario Police College in Aylmer is one of the largest police training facilities in North America, training more than 8,000 recruits, officers and civilian staff each year. It's also where new hires from Barrie Police Service and South Simcoe Police complete their Basic Constable Training before returning to serve in Simcoe County.
The province has been expanding capacity at the college in recent years to help smaller police services address staffing shortages, adding dozens of new training spots and a second training site in Cornwall.
The OPP's investigation into Tuesday's crash is ongoing.
This report includes files from The Canadian Press, first published July 7, 2026.
