The RCMP has confirmed 42-year-old Richer Dubuc, a father of four, has died after his vehicle collided with a tractor on Route 202 in Sainte-Bernard-de-Lacolle.
“The great RCMP family is deeply saddened by the tragic death of our colleague,” the force said in a statement.
“We offer our deepest and most heartfelt condolences to the family, colleagues and friends of Richer.”
Sûreté du Québec (SQ) spokesperson Claude Denis said the incident happened shortly before 6:30 p.m. Monday.
A native of the region of Joliette, Dubuc counted seven years of service with the RCMP, joining the New Brunswick Codiac Detachment in November 2009 after his graduation from the academy.
“Richer was known as a man of “large stature” with a personality that matched. His co-workers called him “the gentle giant,” because he was very tall and always in good spirits,” said New Brunswick RCMP Supt. Paul Beauchesne in a statement.
“He will be remembered as always having a smile on his face, but also the type of person who always stood up for others and was there to lend a hand either at work or in his personal life.”
He later joined the Integrated Border Enforcement Team in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu.
“As a police officer, his greatest ability was how he was able to relate to everyone he encountered and was often able to resolve difficult situations just by listening and talking to those involved,” said Beauchesne.
“His contribution to the communities of Moncton, Dieppe and Riverview and to policing will not be forgotten. We are all feeling his loss.”
Officials said the driver of the tractor suffered minor injuries and is expected to survive.
The investigation is ongoing.