Editor’s Note: The following article includes mention of suicide. If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide or self harm, you can call the 988 Suicide & Crisis Hotline—previously known as the National Suicide Prevention Hotline— by dialing 988. Help is available.
WINDSOR (WWJ) A death investigation prompted the closure of the Ambassador Bridge for about five hours on Saturday.
At approximately 10 a.m.; Windsor Police announced on social media that traffic into Canada would be rerouted to the Detroit Windsor Tunnel while officers conducted an “ongoing investigation” at the bridge.
They reopened the bridge just after 3 p.m.
“A border officer took their life at work,” the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) and Customs and Immigration Union (CIU) said in a joint statement, released Saturday evening. The border officer died on the Windsor-side of the bridge, they said.
“…Incidents such as this one bring to light the challenges public safety personnel may be confronted with throughout their career….” the statement read. "These tragedies also serve as a reminder of the value of supporting each other in the face of hardship.”
PSAC represents workers with the Canada Border Services Agency.
According to the bridge’s official website; more than 40,000 commuters, truck drivers and tourists, carrying a total of $323 million in goods, cross the Ambassador Bridge at the U.S./Canadian Border each day.
The unions said they will not release any further information “out of respect” for the family of the border officer.
See PSAC and CIU’s full statement below.
PSAC and the Customs and Immigration Union are aware of the tragic incident that took place earlier November 9 in Windsor, where a border officer took their life at work. We wish to express our most sincere condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of the deceased — our thoughts are with all who are affected by these difficult circumstances.
Incidents such as this one bring to light the challenges public safety personnel may be confronted with throughout their career, and they remind us of the need for a comprehensive mental health support structure and of the importance of taking down barriers to access these services, both in professional and private settings. These tragedies also serve as a reminder of the value of supporting each other in the face of hardship. The death of a member is difficult for all, and we recognize the impact this sad event has on our community — should any member require support, please contact the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) at 1.877.367.0809 (TTY: 1.877.338.0275) for confidential assistance.
Out of respect for the deceased and their family, the union will not be commenting further.