Tragic Accident Claims Life of Officer-in-Training

Durham Regional Police Service Constable in Training Tyrone Magbitang, 27, is shown in this undated handout photo. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Handout – Durham Regional Police Service (Mandatory Credit)

A recruit from the Durham Regional Police Service has lost his life and another is in critical condition after a crash near the Ontario Police College, where recruits from Barrie Police Service and South Simcoe Police undergo their initial training.

Durham Police Chief Peter Moreira confirmed that the recruit who died was Tyrone Magbitang. He and another constable-in-training were on their way to the college in Malahide Township, close to Aylmer in southwestern Ontario, for a training session when the accident occurred.

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What happened

The collision took place just before 11:20 a. m. at the intersection of Imperial Road (Highway 73) and College Line, a few kilometers west of the Ontario Police College. It involved a car and a transport truck.

The OPP confirmed that Magbitang was behind the wheel of the sedan. He sadly passed away at the scene. The other trainee, whose identity hasn’t been released yet, was taken to hospital with serious injuries. The driver of the transport truck wasn’t injured.

Const. Jeff Beaumaster of the OPP confirmed that the tractor-trailer driver walked away without injuries.

Who was Tyrone Magbitang

Magbitang joined Durham Regional Police Service as a special constable in May 2023. He had completed his police foundations studies at Durham College and was aiming for a full-time career in law enforcement.

DRPS described him as someone who pursued that career with “determination, humility, and an unwavering commitment to serving those around him.” The service stated that while his time with them was “far too short,” he made a “lasting impression.”

“He will be remembered for his kindness, professionalism, and the tremendous potential he brought to our organization,” DRPS said. “His loss is deeply felt throughout the Durham Regional Police Service and the wider policing community.”

He was also remembered as a “compassionate, dedicated, and service-driven individual who believed deeply in helping others and making a positive difference in the community.”

On Wednesday, arrangements were made for Magbitang’s body to be transported from London to the Centre for Forensic Sciences near Highway 401 and Keele Street in Toronto accompanied by family members and DRPS staff as what they called “a mark of respect.”

Police response

In his initial statement, Moreira expressed he was mourning “a profound loss.”

He mentioned that both constables-in-training were heading for a training session when they encountered this tragic accident.

He noted that sharing news about one fatality and another still fighting for survival comes with “deep sadness.”

The chief indicated that their focus is on providing support to both recruits’ families as well as friends during this difficult time while awaiting further updates from OPP’s investigation.

Why it matters locally

The Ontario Police College located in Aylmer serves as one of North America’s largest police training centers where over 8,000 recruits alongside officers and civilian staff train annually. It’s also where new hires from Barrie Police Service along with South Simcoe Police finish their Basic Constable Training prior to returning back into service within Simcoe County.

In recent years province has expanded capacity at this college helping smaller police services address staffing issues by adding more training slots including establishing an additional site located in Cornwall.

The investigation conducted by OPP regarding Tuesday’s incident continues.

This report includes files from The Canadian Press first July 7th ,2026.

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