A long-time provincial police officer was killed Thursday in a shooting that also left a civilian dead in the tight-knit community of Manitoulin Island in Ontario's Georgian Bay.

The officer has been identified as Const. Marc Hovingh, who had been a member of the service for 28 years and worked out of the Little Current detachment.

Hovingh was married with four children, and was also a devout Christian, having attended Mindemoya Missionary Church for 20 years, according to the CBC.

Shortly after the news spread, mourners gathered at the church while following COVID-19 restrictions. "We learned with great sadness today that Marc Hovingh was killed in the line of duty," the church wrote in a social media post on Thursday evening. "Please pray for Lianne Nathan Elena Laura and Sarah that they will find comfort wrapped in the arms of our Lord."

The officer had been called to investigate an "unwanted man" on a property in Gore Bay, Ont., early Thursday afternoon, the province's police watchdog said.

The Special Investigations Unit said Hovingh was shot and killed after he arrived.

"Our hearts are with his family, friends and colleagues at this tragic time," OPP Commissioner Thomas Carrique said in a tweet.

The man on the property was also shot, and died after being taken to hospital, the SIU said.

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With files from the Canadian Press.