An Abbotsford police officer has died in hospital, less than a week after he was assaulted with a weapon while off duty in Nelson, the Abbotsford and Nelson police departments said this morning.

Constable Allan Young, 55, was killed after what Nelson Police Department said was a physical confrontation with a 26-year-old man "causing a disturbance" July 16. The two men didn't know each other. The assailant remains in custody facing a charge of aggravated assault, which is likely to be upgraded to manslaughter.

"We are deeply saddened by the loss of our brother officer. His smile, personality and character cannot be replaced and will forever echo in our hallways," Abbotsford Police Department Judy Bird said in a release. "We extend a heart-felt thank you to our community for the support that we and Allan’s family have received."

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