Officers responded to a two-vehicle crash involving a white Honda Accord and a Porsche Cayenne on Major Mackenzie Drive East, between Richard Person Drive and Warden Avenue, around 6 a.m.
Police said an adult driver of the Accord was pronounced dead at the scene.  The driver was a YRP officer identified by police as Const.  Travis Gillespie.
York Regional Police said Gillespie has been a sworn constable since April 2020 and is assigned to uniform patrol in Precinct #2.
The driver of the Porsche – a 23-year-old man from Markham – was taken to hospital to be treated for minor injuries.
The cause of the collision is not yet known.
Speaking to reporters at the scene, Const.  Maniva Armstrong said no charges have been filed in connection with the collision so far.
“That’s a possibility, but at this time there are no charges,” he said.
Debris could be seen strewn across the roadway on Major Mackenzie Drive on Wednesday morning and the force of the crash appears to have separated the engine from the Honda.
Maniva said several witnesses called police immediately after the crash and were helpful, but urged anyone with more information to contact investigators or call Crime Stoppers.
The YRP said it has handed over the investigation into the fatal collision to Peel Regional Police “to ensure that members of York Regional Police are not harmed further by this incident.”
The situation, Maniva said, has affected members of the police community, as well as the community at large.
“This is devastating news for all members of our organization,” YRP chief Jim MacSween said in a statement.  “My deepest condolences to Travis’ family, friends and colleagues.  It’s never easy to lose a member and to lose Travis so unexpectedly is very difficult.”
Gillespie is survived by his parents, loved ones and colleagues, the force’s statement said.
Prior to joining YRP, Gillespie worked as a special constable for Metrolinx/Go Transit and volunteered at Community Living and Primal MMA Academy.
Bill Grodzinski, a retired Metrolinx Chief Special Constable, called the loss “devastating” in a tweet.  Metrolinx spokeswoman Ann Marie Aikins added that “Travis was so loving and loved his job and helping people.  They were family.”
Speaking to reporters and appearing emotional at times, Maniva called the loss “heartbreaking” and said it was a reminder that tragedy can strike at any time, in uniform or out of uniform.
He paid tribute to Gillespie, saying he was hard-working and likeable.
“He was well-liked by his colleagues, his peers, his superiors.  He was a hard worker,” he said.  “He is someone who, at 38 years old, changed his career to serve and protect the members of his community.”
A man who knew Gillespie stood in disbelief at the crash scene Wednesday and told CP24 “it’s a horrible loss.”
“This guy actually played in major league baseball, in our hockey league.  I mean, it’s just awful,” said the man, who identified himself as TJ.
Premier Doug Ford said in a tweet that he was “shocked” by the news of a second officer who died in Ontario this week.

		I am devastated by the news of the tragic death of yet another police officer in our province.

My thoughts are with Constable Travis Gillespie’s loved ones and the entire @YRP family as they mourn the loss of their beloved colleague. — Doug Ford (@fordnation) September 14, 2022 “I am devastated by the news of the tragic death of another police officer in our province,” Ford wrote. “My thoughts are with Constable Travis Gillespie’s loved ones and the entire @YRP family as they mourn the loss of their beloved colleague.” The incident marks the second death of a GTA officer this week after Toronto police Const. Andrew Hong was shot and killed in Mississauga on Monday. A minute’s silence was expected to be observed at Queen’s Park on Wednesday for Hong and Gillespie. YRP said it will work with the York Regional Police Association to offer “any and all support required” to Const. The Gillespie family. “This tragic and unexpected loss of Constable Travis Gillespie is felt by all of us. We have lost a dear friend and valued member of York Regional Police and the York Regional Police Association,” said YRPA Vice President Mike Buchanan. He said the news is especially difficult as police are still grieving the loss of Const. Hong. “The families of our police officers are hurting and we all feel the pain and significant loss of these two fallen officers,” he said.

		It is with great sadness that I share the tragic death of Constable Travis Gillespie of @YRP 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 to all members of our organization.  pic.twitter.com/JWa6UH5FUS
	— Chief Jim MacSween (@chiefmacsween) September 14, 2022