OPP confirms officer dead in Hwy. 401 crash in Cobourg

Police are telling travellers to avoid the area as they investigate.

Published Apr 27, 2026  •  Last updated 4 hours ago  •  2 minute read

OPP are investigating after a death on the 401 in Cobourg. Photo by Derek Baldwin /Postmedia Network

An OPP officer is dead following a crash involving a motorcycle on Hwy. 401, west of Burnham St. in Cobourg.

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Police say on Monday afternoon after 5:30 p.m., Northumberland OPP responded to a reports of a crash. An OPP officer was pronounced dead at the scene. The highway was shut down both ways between Hwy. 28 and Burnham St. N. while police and emergency crews continued to investigate.

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Officer mourned

“The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) is mourning the death of one of its officers who was killed in the line of duty in Cobourg today,” the OPP said in a statement. “The OPP is assisting the member’s family as they deal with this tragedy. We acknowledge the significant impact of this tragic loss and extend our thoughts to everyone affected by this devastating incident.”

OPP Commissioner Thomas Carrique said the officer will not be publicly identified until next of kin has been notified.

“It is with deep sorrow that I advise an OPP officer was killed while on duty along Highway 401 in Cobourg this afternoon. Our thoughts are with the officer’s loved ones and with OPP members during this devastating time, as we grieve the loss of one of our own,” he said on social media. “As notifications are still underway, the officer’s identity will be withheld at this time. The circumstances surrounding the incident continue to be investigated. We ask that the public join us in keeping the officer’s family, friends and colleagues in their thoughts as we navigate this profound loss.”

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OPP Association President David Sabatini also released a statement, saying, “We are heartbroken over the death of our Member, who was killed in the line of duty while operating a police motorcycle in Cobourg. 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. Our thoughts are with our Member’s family, colleagues and friends during this difficult time.”

Premier Doug Ford expressed his sadness over the incident, saying his thoughts are with the officer’s loved ones.

“I am very sad to hear that an Ontario Provincial Police officer was killed in the line of duty in Cobourg earlier today. My 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 premier said on X.

Toronto Police Chief Myron Demkiw offered his condolences to the OPP.

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“On behalf of the Toronto Police Service, we extend our deepest condolences to the Ontario Provincial Police, who lost an officer today during a tragic on-duty incident. We mourn alongside the friends, family and loved ones of the officer, and our colleagues at the OPP, as they grieve this loss,” he said.

Local news outlet Today’s Northumberland posted footage of the investigation on its social media feed.

Police say that anyone with information in relation to this incident, including video or dashcam footage, is urged to contact 1-888-310-1122. Should you wish to remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477(TIPS) or ontariocrimestoppers.ca.

A television screengrab from the investigation.

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