OPP officer killed in motorcycle crash on Highway 401 in Cobourg, Ont.

An Ontario Provincial Police officer was killed in a motorcycle crash on Highway 401 in Cobourg, Ont., on Monday, the OPP says.

The crash involved only the motorcycle, the OPP said in a news release Monday.

The OPP say members of their Northumberland detachment were called to the highway near Burnham Street North shortly after 5:30 p.m. for reports of a single-vehicle crash.

Police said the officer was pronounced dead at the scene.

Highway 401 is closed in both directions between Highway 28 and Burnham Street in Cobourg as police investigate.

The officer’s name has not been released as next of kin are still being notified.

Police said the circumstances surrounding the crash are being investigated.

“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,” police said in the release.

Ontario premier ‘very sad’ to learn of death

In a social media post Monday night, Ontario Premier Doug Ford said he was “very sad” to learn of the officer’s death.

“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,” Ford said.

OPP Commissioner Thomas Carrique, in a social media post Monday night, said he informed the public of the death “with deep sorrow.”

“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,” Carrique said.

Toronto police chief Myron Demkiw expressed condolences to the OPP in a social media post Monday.

“We mourn alongside the friends, family and loved ones of the officer, and our colleagues at the OPP, as they grieve this loss,” Demkiw said.

Anyone with information, including video or dashboard camera footage, is being asked to contact police.