York Regional Police officer killed in traffic collision

A 38-year-old York Regional Police officer has been killed in a traffic collision this morning in Markham.

Const. Travis Gillespie was pronounced deceased at the scene of a collision involving his white Honda Accord and a Porsche Cayenne at Major Mackenzie Drive and Warden Avenue at about 6 a.m. Sept. 14. The driver of the Porsche, a 23-year-old Markham man, was transported to hospital.

“This is devastating news for all members of our organization,” said Chief Jim MacSween in a news release. “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.”

Const. Gillespie was sworn in as a police constable on April 29, 2020 and was assigned to Richmond Hill's #2 district uniform patrol. He is survived by his parents, loved ones and colleagues. Prior to joining York Regional Police, he worked as a Metrolinx/Go Transit special constable and had volunteered his time to Community Living and Primal MMA Academy. 

The investigation of the collision is being conducted by Peel Regional Police to ensure members of York Regional Police are not further traumatized by this incident, police said.

"YRP will be working with the York Regional Police Association to offer any and all support required to Const. Gillespie’s family over the coming days, weeks and months," police said.

York Regional Police Association, the union representing the more than 2,400 uniformed and civilian members of the force, said on social media that the unexpected loss of Gillespie is felt by all of its members.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with Travis’ family, friends, and fellow members.", the association said. 

York Region Chair and CEO Wayne Emmerson issued a statement with his condolences to the family, friends, colleagues and loved ones of Const. Gillespie, adding that the "loss of a member of our police service is a loss to the whole community, who depend on York Regional Police to protect our neighbourhoods and build a strong, caring, safe York Region for all our residents. 

"I also extend our deepest appreciation and thanks to the many York Region first responders who responded to this fatal collision. We ask a lot of the women and men who serve our communities as paramedics, firefighters and police officers, and we offer our support as they mourn the loss of a colleague in uniform." 

Messages of condolences continue to pour in from citizens and police services from across the country.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford also expressed his condolences on Twitter, saying, "My thoughts are with the loved ones of Constable Travis Gillespie and the entire (York Regional Police) family as they mourn the loss of their beloved colleague." 

Investigators are seeking witnesses to this collision. Anyone who has not yet spoken with police or who may have dashcam footage or residential video surveillance of the collision is asked to come forward by calling 1-866-876-5423, ext. 7704 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS or leave an anonymous tip online at www.1800222tips.com.