York Regional Police officers are mourning after a veteran of the force died while off-duty after being involved in a motorcycle collision in Meaford on July 23.
Staff Sgt. Craig Heatley succumbed to his injuries received from the collision, according to York Regional Police Chief Jim MacSween.
"This is a devastating and unexpected loss for all of Craig’s family, friends and platoon mates," MacSween said on social media.
Heatley had served the force for 31 years, working in criminal investigations, academics and auto recovery, MacSween said. He most recently worked in uniform patrol at the Vaughan district,
Grey Bruce OPP reported responding to a two-vehicle collision on Highway 6-10 between the Holland-Syndenham Line and Sunny Valley Road in the Municipality of Meaford around 11:30 a.m., July 23. The OPP did not initially identify a driver who was transported to hospital and pronounced deceased.
In a follow-up release on Monday, provincial police identified the deceased as 55-year-old Craig Heatley, of Bradford West Gwillimbury.
According to OPP, the collision involved a motorcycle and an SUV. Heatley, who was driving the motorcycle, was taken to a local hospital where he was pronounced deceased. The passenger was taken to local hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries. The driver of the SUV was taken to a local hospital to be assessed.
MacSween confirmed Heatley's wife was also injured and was in serious but stable condition.
The crash remains under investigation.
York Region Chairman and CEO Wayne Emmerson offered his condolences.
"The loss of a member of our police service is a loss to the whole community," Emmerson said. "I join the residents of York Region, York Regional Police Chief Jim MacSween and our men and women in uniform in celebrating the life and mourning the loss of a dedicated and hard-working member of our police force."
Emmerson added flags at York Region's Administrative Centre will remain lowered to half-mast in honour of Heatley.
Several other police forces and officers also made statements of support.
"We extend our condolences to the family and friends of Staff Sergeant Craig Heatley, and to all who have been affected by his passing," Peel Regional Police said. "We are keeping all of them, and all members of York Regional Police in our thoughts."
"Craig was both a valued York Regional Police member and dear friend," MacSween said. "He will be remembered for his jovial personality, sense of humour and passion for policing."
MacSween said York Regional Police would work with the York Regional Police Association to support Heatley's family and colleagues.
