WATCH ABOVE: Volunteers in St. Albert are paying tribute to the fallen officer with a white ribbon campaign. Michel Boyer has more.
EDMONTON – The Alberta Mountie who was shot in the head while investigating a vehicle theft in a community just outside Edmonton last weekend has passed away. Const. David Wynn, a husband and father of three sons, died in hospital on Wednesday morning.
RCMP said the 42-year-old officer never regained consciousness after being shot in a St. Alberta casino early Saturday. Wynn was not expected to survive, and in a gut-wrenching news conference on Monday night, his wife said the family was “saying their goodbyes.”
A statement from Deputy Commissioner Marianne Ryan, Commanding Officer of the RCMP in Alberta reads:
“Today, the RCMP lost a dedicated member in the line of duty, his wife lost a husband, and his sons lost a father. Words cannot express the deep sadness we feel today.”
Several people and agencies also sent out messages of sympathy after hearing the news of his death.
WATCH: Online condolences pour in following Const. Wynn’s death
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The mayor of St. Albert issued this statement:
On behalf of St. Albert City Council and all St. Albertans, we extend our deepest condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of RCMP Constable Wynn. We join you in mourning his passing as we struggle with the senselessness of his death. Policing is a noble profession, where ordinary people do extraordinary things to help keep our communities safe. Our thoughts are with RCMP Constable Wynn’s family as we collectively grieve.
– Nolan Crouse, Mayor, City of St. Albert
Statements from Premier Jim Prentice and Justice Minister Jonathan Denis expressed similar sentiments.
“Today, it is with great sadness that we begin to mourn the loss of Constable David Wynn, who has paid the ultimate sacrifice in his service to Alberta. May his family and friends gather strength and find solace in the outpouring of support from citizens across our province and across our country, as together we grieve for our fallen Canadian hero.”
– Premier Jim Prentice
“Alberta has lost a brave and dedicated RCMP officer today. Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family, friends, and fellow police officers during this difficult time. Constable Wynn put himself in harm’s way in order to serve and protect Albertans, and for this we owe him and his loved ones a debt of gratitude. He will be forever remembered.”
– Jonathan Denis, minister of justice and solicitor general
Before moving to St. Albert following his graduation from the RCMP in 2009, Wynn worked as a paramedic and Canadian Red Cross first aid instructor in Bridgewater, Nova Scotia, which is located about 100 kilometres south of Halifax.
A regimental funeral for Wynn will be held at Servus Place in St. Albert on Monday, Jan. 26 at 2 p.m.
A book of condolences has been made available at St. Albert City Hall. There is also a book of condolences at RCMP K Division in Edmonton.
The RCMP Veterans Association Edmonton Division set up a family support fund for the two St. Albert officers shot Saturday morning. Click here for more details.
The United in Light St. Albert group has been posting ribbons around the community as a tribute to the officers. It is also posting information on memorial services being held. There is more information on the Facebook page.
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