The pedestrian hit and killed on Highway 401 in Cambridge Wednesday was a former Waterloo Regional Police Service officer who was facing a sex crime charge.

A 55-year-old male pedestrian was hit by a transport truck Thursday morning, according to the Ontario Provincial Police.

OPP would not explain why the man was on the highway, nor the identity of the person killed.

However, defence lawyer Bruce Ritter confirmed the man hit and killed was his client David Mackintosh.

In June, the London Police Service charged Mackintosh with communicating with a person for the purpose of obtaining sexual services.

The charges stem from an incident that happened in April in London, court documents show.

Mackintosh was employed as a constable with the Waterloo Regional Police Service in 2017, according to Ontario's public sector salary disclosures.

WRPS would not confirm how long Mackintosh was with the force but did say in an email that "we do not have and/or we lose jurisdiction over any potential disciplinary matter if a police officer ceases employment with us. The Waterloo Regional Police Service can't comment on issues involving former or retired employees due to privacy rules."

The London Police Service also refused to comment.

"Speaking generally, if an accused was to die while before the courts on a charge, any charges would be formally withdrawn," said London Police Service spokesperson Roxanne Beaubien in an emailed statement.

Ritter was representing Mackintosh and said in an emailed statement, "Sadly I can confirm that it was my client who tragically died yesterday.

The family has no further comment but would ask that all respect their privacy at this very difficult time."

Mackintosh was to appear in court again on Sept. 5.