Grief and calls for change in the wake of fatal police cadet crash

A crash near Aylmer, Ont. claimed the life of a 27-year-old police recruit from Durham. CTV London’s Sean Irvine reports.

Annette Versteegen laid flowers on Wednesday at the site where a Durham Regional Police recruit was killed in a collision with a transport truck on Tuesday.

He has been identified as 27-year-old Tyrone Magbitang.

His passenger, also a recruit with Durham Regional Police, was critically injured.

The pair were travelling to the Ontario Police College (OPC) near Aylmer when the crash occurred at the intersection of Imperial Road and College Line around 11:20 a.m.

Multiple neighbours tell CTV News they heard the collision, with one witness describing life-saving efforts.

Versteegen, who arrived home within half an hour of the crash, stated she spoke briefly with the truck driver.

“He said he just didn’t have anywhere to go. It was just quick, and there was nowhere for him to go.”

OPP continue to investigate the collision. But in the wake of the crash, the public and the policing community are mourning.

Multiple area police chiefs, including London’s, have expressed condolences online.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of the Solicitor General, which manages the OPC, spoke directly through Solicitor General Michael Kerzner. He stated the province stands in grief and support with those affected by the tragic loss.

The Aylmer Police Service echoes those comments. It has a close relationship with the OPC.

“They need something, we’re in their backyard, and vice versa. So, it’s a place that is very near and dear to us,” said Chief Kyle Johnstone.

He added that the relationship made it even more challenging for Aylmer officers as they responded to the scene to assist the OPP.

“While you may not know the person specifically, obviously, it is the policing community, and just seeing the policing clothing on someone, you know that they’re in that field and in that line of work, it certainly hits home for the officers that responded.”

The tragedy also renews the call for change on Imperial Road.

On Wednesday, just as emergency crews raced to the scene of another minor crash, only one line away from the fatal crash scene, residents said it is time for steps to be taken to reduce the frequency of collisions.

“There’s been so many, it’s hard to give an exact number,” said Versteegen.

Another nearby resident, Peter Weber said from his vehicle that “Maybe some roundabouts to control the speed and to make some of these intersections a little safer”, was needed.

Chief Johnstone agreed that Imperial Road has become busier, but added that future measures can’t take away the present pain.

“It’s just it’s nothing more than a shame. And it’s certainly a tragedy,” he said with sadness.