This story was updated at 7:55 am, Nov. 20. This story has been updated to reflect that one officer was shot in the altercation.
MANITOULIN—Manitoulin Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Constable Marc Hovingh, of Manitowaning, age 52, has died following the police situation near Gore Bay this afternoon, November 19.
“I am deeply saddened to learn of the death of (OPP) Constable Marc Hovingh who was shot and killed in the line of duty on Manitoulin Island and hope for the speedy recovery of the other officer shot in this senseless act of violence,” said Ontario Premier Doug Ford, as shared in tweets from Queen’s Park journalists.
Constable Hovingh was a 28-year veteran of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP). He leaves behind his wife, Lianne, and children Nathan, Laura, Sarah and Elena.
OPP commissioner Thomas Carrique tweeted to announce the passing of Constable Hovingh at 4:21 pm Thursday.
“With great sadness I advise that PC Marc Hovingh, a 28-year veteran of the OPP, has succumbed to his injuries sustained while bravely serving in the line of duty. Our hearts are with his family, friends and colleagues at this tragic time,” the commissioner tweeted.
In a press release from the OPP, the police shared that shortly after 11 am on November 19, two members of the Manitoulin detachment of the OPP were conducting a follow-up investigation related to a property dispute near the Tenth Line and Scotland Road, just outside of Gore Bay. There was an interaction between a person at the scene and Constable Hovingh resulting in the officer being fatally shot. The suspect has also died as a result of the interaction. This person is not being identified at this time until their identity can be confirmed and next of kin notifications are complete.
Further information regarding funeral arrangements for Constable Hovingh will be forthcoming at a later time.
An investigation is being conducted by the Special Investigation Unit.
Friends of the family recalled that the Hovinghs were a close-knit group and were devoted attendees of Mindemoya Missionary Church.
The Hovinghs were instrumental in supporting several families of Eritrean refugees who came to Canada and first made their homes on Manitoulin Island.
Island communities lowered their flags to half-staff out of respect for the fallen officer, an action echoed at the provincial legislature in downtown Toronto.
The Expositor will continue to follow this story and provide updates as they become available.
