York Regional Police officer killed in head-on crash in Markham

A York Regional Police officer is dead following an early morning head-on collision in Markham on Wednesday.

Police officers confirm that 38-year-old Const. Travis Gillespie was on his way to work when he was killed in a two-vehicle crash on Major Mackenzie Drive, west of Warden Avenue, at around 6 a.m.

“This is devastating news for all members of our organization,” says York Regional Police chief Jim MacSween. “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.”

RELATED: Book of condolences set up following death of on-duty Toronto officer in shooting spree

Investigators say the head-on crash involved a white Honda Accord, driven by Gillespie, and a black Porsche Cayenne.

Officers say Gillespie died at the scene. The driver of the Porsche, a 23-year-old Markham man, was transported to a hospital with unknown injuries.

Investigators tell CityNews one of the drivers crossed the centre line and collided with an oncoming vehicle. They say impairment is being investigated as a cause of the crash.

York Regional Police say the Peel Regional Police Service will conduct the investigation into the crash to ensure York officers “are not further traumatized by the incident.”

CityNews 680 traffic reporter Jordan Kerr was over the scene in a chopper and said both vehicles suffered significant damage.

“The (Porsche) has a lot of front-end damage. Its bumper is off and lying on the road,” he says. “The white car is in extremely bad shape, the front end of it completely ripped off.”

Major Mackenzie is closed in both directions west of Warden for the investigation. Motorists are being asked to avoid the area.

Second GTA police officer killed this week

Gillespie was sworn in as a constable in April 2020 and worked as a special constable with Metrolinx and GO Transit prior to joining the police service.

Officers say “he is survived by his parents, loved ones and colleagues.”

Premier Doug Ford released a statement, offering thoughts to Gillespie’s family and the entire York Regional Police service.

“I’m gutted by the news of the tragic death of another police officer in our province,” said Ford.

I’m gutted by the news of the tragic death of another police officer in our province.

My thoughts are with the loved ones of Constable Travis Gillespie and the entire @YRP family as they mourn the loss of their beloved colleague.

— Doug Ford (@fordnation) September 14, 2022

Metrolinx issued a statement, saying Gillespie was a well-loved Special Constable who worked his way up to supervisor over his 10-year career.

“He joined York Regional Police in 2020. Travis remained friends with many of his Metrolinx family, and we are all devastated to hear about his tragic passing,” a spokesperson said. “Our thoughts are with all of his family and loved ones and both his current and former colleagues.”

Travis, will be missed greatly ^BN pic.twitter.com/SAA6Gh09Rs

— GOTransitSafety (@GOTransitSSD) September 14, 2022

The York Regional Police Association (YRPA) said Const. Gillespie’s loss is being felt by everyone.

“We have lost a dear friend and valued member of York Regional Police and York Regional Police Association,” the YRPA said.

“Travis first began his career in December 2019 and was sworn in as a Police Constable on April 29, 2020… Prior to joining York Regional Police, Travis worked as a Metrolinx/Go Transit Special Constable and had volunteered his time to Community Living and Primal MMA Academy.”

Earlier this week, Toronto Police Const. Andrew Hong was shot and killed during a shooting rampage that spanned the GTA.

Police services, officials and organizations across the province shared their condolences throughout the week following his on-duty death.

“This news is difficult for us to take, as we are still mourning the murder of Toronto Police Constable Hong and the events which unfolded on Monday,” the YRPA said. “Our policing families are hurting, and we are all feeling the pain and significant loss of these two fallen officers.”

This week, a book of condolences will be set up to allow the public to pay its respects to the fallen officer.