Sudbury officer who died has ties to North Bay

The Greater Sudbury Police officer killed in the July 4 crash on Highway 69 was Const. Christopher Labreche, Sudbury.com and BayToday.ca have learned.

While GSPS hasn't released the name of the officer killed, they did confirm the man killed was a member. Sources have told Sudbury.com that Labreche was the victim in the collision. Furthermore, Labreche's obituary has been released. It confirms he died a “tragic death” on July 4. He was 37 years old.

The crash happened six kilometres south of the French River at 12:39 p.m. Thursday, July 4. Labreche was driving a southbound pickup truck when it collided with a fuel tanker truck. The 59-year-old driver of the northbound fuel tanker truck, a man from Rayside-Balfour, was transported to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Highway 69 was closed for 10 hours while the Ontario Provincial Police investigated the crash. 

GSPS released a statement on July 5, expressing “heartfelt sadness” at the loss of one of its members.

“Our deepest condolences are extended to family and friends,” said the press release.

BayToday has learned that Labreche also has lots of ties to North Bay. His parents live nearby in Port Loring.  

One North Bay friend who hunted with Labreche, described him as a "big fun loving teddy bear who will be missed."  

A memorial service and celebration of life will be held at All Nations Church on July 10 in Sudbury.