28-year OPP veteran dies while on duty on Manitoulin Island: police official

Ontario’s police watchdog, the Special Investigations Unit, says it’s investigating after an Ontario Provincial Police officer and a civilian were shot and killed in connection with an incident on Manitoulin Island on Thursday.

“An individual contacted the OPP to report the presence of an unwanted person on a property in Gore Bay,” SIU spokesperson Monica Hudon said.

“Soon after officers arrived on the scene, they encountered the man and there was an interaction.”

As a result of the interaction, Hudon said one OPP officer sustained a fatal gunshot wound, while the civilian was also shot and taken to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

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On Thursday, OPP Commissioner Thomas Carrique identified the 28-year veteran officer who died as Marc Hovingh.

The SIU said three investigators and two forensic investigators are on the way to the scene.

On Thursday, Manitoulin OPP said two officers were conducting a follow-up investigation related to a property dispute when an interaction occurred and resulted in the death of Hovingh, who was 52 years old, and the civilian, who isn’t being named until their identity is confirmed and next of kin have been notified.

OPP confirmed no other police officers were injured as a result of the incident.

“I am deeply saddened to learn of the death of Provincial Constable Marc Hovingh who was shot and killed in the line of duty on Manitoulin Island,” Ontario Premier Doug Ford said in a statement Thursday.

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“Our government has requested that the flags at Queen’s Park be lowered out of respect for the fallen and their family who are all grieving at this very difficult time.”

On Thursday evening, OPP said Hindman Road in Gore Bay is closed and that all Scotland Road residents may return to their homes.

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Michael Mantha, MPP for Algoma-Manitoulin, said the “tight knit” community of Manitoulin Island is “devastated” at the loss of Hovingh.

“On Manitoulin Island, OPP officers are our friends and our neighbours,” Mantha said in a statement. “We will be forever changed by the devastating loss of one of our own.”

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In a statement, Ontario NDP Leader Andrea Horwath said she’s saddened to learn about Hovingh’s death.

“I extend the heartfelt condolences of the official opposition to the family and loved ones of Constable Hovingh, as well as to all members of the OPP,” Horwath said.

The OPP said information regarding funeral arrangements for Hovingh will be forthcoming at a later time.

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