OPP officer killed in Cobourg motorcycle crash identified, tributes pour in

An Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) officer has died after crashing while operating a police motorcycle on Highway 401 in Cobourg on Monday evening.

Provincial police say they were called to the highway near Burnham Street North to the single-vehicle crash around 5:30 p.m.

The OPP officer was pronounced dead at the scene.

He has been identified as Sgt. Brandon Malcolm, who joined the OPP in June 2020 and worked in the Northumberland Detachment for his whole career.

The circumstances around the crash are still under investigation.

Three other OPP officers were involved in a secondary collision while responding to the fatal crash, the OPP said in a release on Tuesday.

“While officers were responding to the initial incident, two OPP cruisers were involved in a secondary collision with a stopped passenger vehicle on Highway 401 westbound near the primary collision scene,” the OPP said. “Three OPP officers were transported to a local hospital as a precaution and have since been released. No other injuries were reported.”

Hwy. 401 was closed in both directions from Burnham to Highway 28 in the area as police investigated the scene. That stretch reopened on Tuesday morning.

“The OPP is assisting the member’s family as they deal with this tragedy,” read an OPP statement. “We acknowledge the significant impact of this tragic loss and extend our thoughts to everyone affected by this devastating incident.”

Premier Doug Ford issues statement

OPP Commissioner Thomas Carrique released a statement on X saying, “We honour his service and bravery as we grieve this tremendous loss.”

Premier Doug Ford offered his condolences in a social media post, saying his thoughts are with the officer’s family and loved ones, as well as all of our brave women and men in uniform across the province who risk their lives every day to protect Ontario.

The OPP Association, meanwhile, said they were devastated by the death of one of their members.

“While the circumstances surrounding the collision remain under investigation, this tragedy reminds us of the dangers our Members face every day while serving and protecting the citizens of Ontario,” read the statement from OPP Association President David Sabatini.

Peel Regional Police (PRP) were among the GTA police forces to extend condolences following news of Sgt. Malcom’s death, with a statement reading in part, “May his service, dedication, and sacrifice to the community he served never be forgotten.”