The incident happened in the area of Mackenzie Drive East and Warden Avenue around 6 a.m. According to police, a Porsche Cayenne SUV and a white Honda Accord collided. In a press release issued Wednesday morning, investigators said the driver of the Honda, 38-year-old Const. Travis Gillespie, pronounced dead at the scene. “This is devastating news for everyone in our organization,” Chief Jim MacSween said in a statement. “My deepest condolences to Travis’ family, friends and colleagues. Losing a member is never easy and losing Travis so unexpectedly is very difficult.” The press release also states that Peel Police’s Major Collision Unit will be conducting the investigation into the crash in order to ensure that York police officers “are not further injured by this incident.” Police say roads in the area are closed as they investigate. (Mehrdad Nazarahari/CBC) Police say the driver of the Porsche, a 23-year-old Markham man, was taken to the hospital. His condition was not specified. York police say Gillespie was sworn in as an officer in 2020 and is survived by his parents, loved ones and co-workers. Before becoming a police officer, the news release states, Gillespie worked as a special constable with Metrolinx and volunteered at the Primal Mixed Martial Arts academy. Roads in the area are closed while an investigation is carried out. Police are advising drivers to avoid the area and use an alternate route. Investigators are asking anyone with information or video of the incident to contact police or Crime Stoppers. Gillespie is the second Greater Toronto Area police officer to die this week. Toronto police Const. Andrew Hong was fatally shot in Mississauga on Monday. Toronto police issued a statement on Twitter Wednesday expressing condolences for Gillespie’s death. “This has been a devastating week for our police family,” the statement said. “We join our friends and colleagues in mourning for our brave officers, both taken far too soon.” On behalf of the Toronto Police Service, we extend our deepest condolences to Mr pic .twitter.com/gae4oUp66v —@TorontoPolice Premier Doug Ford echoed that sentiment on Twitter, saying he was “devastated by the news of the tragic death of another police officer in our province.” I am devastated by the news of the tragic death of another police officer in our province. My thoughts are with Constable Travis Gillespie’s loved ones and the entire family — @fordnation
