Private funeral Friday for Durham police recruit killed in car accident

The Durham Regional Police Service is thanking the community for the “outpouring of support” for Constable-in-Training Tyrone Magbitang, who is being laid to rest in a private funeral Friday.

“The kindness shown by our community, policing partners, and all those who have reached out has been a source of comfort during this difficult time,” DRPS said in a message on their social media accounts. “Tyrone’s kindness, dedication, and positive spirit touched many lives, and your messages will mean a great deal to his family, friends, classmates, and colleagues.”

Magbitang, 27, was involved in a motor vehicle collision with a transport truck July 7 while travelling to the Ontario Police College Tuesday. He was declared dead at the scene.

Another officer-in-training in the vehicle was critically injured in the crash, which happened as the two were on their way to the Ontario Police College in Aylmer, approximately 45 kilometres south of London.

Magbitang joined the Durham Regional Police Service as a Special Constable in May 2023 and in April of this year he took the next step toward achieving his “lifelong dream” of becoming a police officer when he was selected as a police constable recruit, Durham Police Chief Peter Moreira said in a statement.

“Tyrone was a compassionate, dedicated, and service-driven individual who believed deeply in helping others and making a positive difference in the community,” Moreira said, adding that Magbitang pursued a career in public safety with “determination, humility, and an unwavering commitment to serving those around him.”

“Although his time with our service was far too short, Tyrone made a lasting impression on everyone who had the privilege of knowing and working alongside him. He will be remembered for his kindness, professionalism and the tremendous potential he brought to our organization.”

“His loss is deeply felt throughout the Durham Regional Police Service and the wider policing community.”

Magbitang was transported from London to the Centre for Forensic Sciences in Toronto last week, with loved ones and members of Durham Regional Police accompanying him as a “mark of respect and in recognition of his service and commitment to the profession he aspired to join.”

“On behalf of the Durham Regional Police Service, we extend our deepest and most heartfelt condolences to Tyrone’s family, friends, colleagues, and loved ones. We mourn alongside them and remain committed to supporting all those affected by this unimaginable loss.”

The service for Magbitang will only be open to family members, friends, and members of the “first responder community,” out of respect for the wishes of the family and the privacy of “all those grieving this tragic loss.”

Durham Police said Magbitang’s family is also asking for privacy as they mourn the loss of a “beloved son, family member, friend, classmate, and colleague.”

For those who wish to share a message, memory, or expression of sympathy, an online Book of Condolences in honour of Tyrone Magbitang is available for signing at https://form.drps.ca/Remembering-CIT-Tyrone-Magbitang.