An Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) officer has died after crashing while operating a police motorcycle on Highway 401 in Cobourg Monday evening.

Provincial police say they called to the highway near Burnham Street North to the single vehicle crash around 5:30 p.m.

The OPP officer was pronounced dead at the scene. OPP say the officer was on duty when they died.

The identity of the officer is being withheld while their next of kin is notified. The circumstances around the crash are still under investigation.

Hwy. 401 is closed in both directions from Burnham to Highway 28 in the area as police investigate.

“The OPP is assisting the member’s family as they deal with this tragedy,” read an OPP statement. “We acknowledge the significant impact of this tragic loss and extend our thoughts to everyone affected by this devastating incident.”

OPP Commissioner Thomas Carrique released a statement on X saying, “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.”

Premier Doug Ford offered his condolences in a social media post, saying his 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 OPP Association said they were devastated by the death of one of their members.

“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,” read the statement from OPP Association President David Sabatini.