Update - 2 Mounties Die from Injuries
Family members joined police at a news conference Sunday afternoon to confirm the deaths of two Royal Canadian Mounted Police officers shot on July 7 in Saskatchewan.
The devastated relatives of constables Robin Cameron, 29, and Marc Bourdages, 26, spoke briefly to the media, but shared kind words of the slain officers.
"I believe that Mark is with us now in spirit and that he is in a better place where he can be peaceful,'' said his wife Natasha, who is an RCMP officer in Spiritwood.
Cameron passed away at about 11 p.m. Saturday night, and Bourdages, her partner, died about two hours later, police said.
Both succumbed to "severe head injuries" after being shot near the small farming community of Mildred, Sask., as they pursued a suspect.
Both officers, who were surrounded in hospital by their families for the past week, were described as "young and popular."
Bourdages leaves behind a nine-month-old child and Cameron leaves behind an 11-year-old daughter.
Support has poured in from across the country following the tragic shootings, police said.
Regimental funerals will be held for both constables.
Both Cameron and Bourdages were taken to hospital in Saskatoon, where they underwent extensive surgery for their injuries following the July 7 incident.
The two Mounties and a third officer were responding to a report that an assault had taken place at about 9 p.m.
Curtis Dagenais, 41, is still wanted in connection with the shooting.
The suspect in the assault fled in a vehicle, and the officers pursued him, but were reportedly fired on when the man stopped.
The third officer returned fire on the suspect, but it is not known if he was struck.
The suspect then fled the scene on foot.
Since then, police have carried out a massive, so far unsuccessful manhunt for Dagenais, the suspected shooter.
Police now suggest Dagenais may have fled the province or died while hiding in the forest. His father, Arthur Dagenais, who is in custody charged with obstruction of justice in the case, worries his son may have taken his own life.
Prime Minister Stephen Harper issued a statement, saying the officers made the "ultimate sacrifice" in the service to fellow Canadians.
"I express my sincere condolences to the families, friends and fellow colleagues of these brave officers who have been touched by this terrible tragedy. This is truly a sad day for all Canadians," the statement read.
"This tragic event is a sad reminder of the sacrifice and bravery of the men and women who serve in our national police force and all those who dedicate their lives to protecting our country and our communities, often working under extreme circumstances, and in conditions of great danger.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with their families and loved ones in this, their time of need."
In March 2005, four RCMP officers were shot and killed in Mayerthorpe, Alta. by James Roszko while they were on his property to investigate stolen parts and a marijuana grow operation. Roszko then took his own life.
CTV.ca News Staff
