A member of the Ottawa Police Service has died following an incident at the Elgin Street headquarters, police confirmed Sunday.
In a statement, Police Chief Charles Bordeleau said the man was a “well-respected and well-loved member” of the police service and that “the news of his death pains us all.”
“Those who have worked with him know him as an excellent example of a hard-working, dedicated officer who loved his job,” Bordeleau said.
CTV News has learned Staff Sgt. Kal Ghadban took his own life at the Elgin headquarters shortly after 1 p.m. Sunday. The circumstances remain known. Police are only saying that his death occured after an incident at the police headquarters on Elgin.
Ghadban's family spoke for the first time Monday, saying they are "heartbroken."
"We are heartbroken to have lost Kal so tragically and so young," the family said in a statement issued by Ottawa Police.
"The loss to our family will remain but the outpouring of love we have received for Kal has been comforting," they said.
On Monday, the Special Investigative unit issued a media release saying Ghadban suffered "serious injuries" following "an incident" at headquarters. The SIU said the officer was transported to hospital, where he later died. Three investigators and one forensic investigator are part of the SIU's investigation. Ottawa Police have said they will not comment on the circumstances around Ghadban's death until the SIU has completed their probe.
Staff Sgt. Ghadban was the head of the break and enters, street crime and human trafficking units for the Ottawa Police. The high-profile member of the force was involved in many well-known cases including the recent break and enter at Liberal leader Justin Trudeau’s Ottawa home.
Friends, colleagues and politicians took to social media Sunday, expressing their condolences and deepest sympathies for the officer's family.
"I wish to offer my condolences to Staff Sgt. Ghadban's family at this difficult time. I would also like to offer my condolences and support to Staff Sgt. Ghadban's colleagues on the Ottawa Police force who so ably keep our city safe every day. The coming days will no doubt be difficult for our Police Service and my thoughts and prayers will be with his family and extended police family," the Mayor said in a statement issued to CTV News.
Ghadban is described by his colleagues as a dedicated, well-respected, well-loved member of the force. Addressing media Sunday night, Chief Bordeleau said Ghadban was passionate about policing and about his family.
"This is difficult. And it's not a day that you want as a chief or as a member of the executive," the chief said. "And it shows the fragility of life."
"We mourn his loss and this will be difficult in the days ahead of us. But it's important that we, as a community, come together to support Kal's family and his colleagues," Bordeleau went on to say.
Ghadban leaves behind a wife, two sons and a daughter.
Support services have been offered to all Ottawa Police offiers and to Ghadban's family.
