Manitoba RCMP shared further details on Constable Allan Poapst, who died Friday.

"Today is an extremely difficult day for Manitoba RCMP as we mourn the on-duty death of one of our own," says Assistant Commissioner Commanding Officer of the Manitoba RCMP Jane MacLatchy.

On Friday, December 13, 2019, at around 4:00 p.m., Constable Allan Poapst was returning from a shift working with the Court Liason Unit when a pickup truck collided with Poapst's RCMP vehicle.

Poapst was traveling westbound on the Perimeter Highway, east of Highway 7, when the truck traveling eastbound crossed the median.

Poapst was pronounced dead at the scene.

The truck's driver and passenger were transported with injuries to hospital.

MacLatchy says Manitoba RCMP have been impacted by Poapst's death.

"It's difficult. The RCMP itself is a family ... we really are a tight group and it really pains us when we lose someone from our family," says MacLatchy.

MacLatchy says several individuals stopped to assist at the scene on Friday.

The investigation into how and why the collision occurred remains ongoing with assistance to the RCMP being provided by the Winnipeg Police Service (WPS).

In a press conference Saturday afternoon, MacLatchy called the WPS's assistance "outstanding" during this difficult time.

Poapst was a father of three teenaged girls and was just five days shy of having served 13 years with the RCMP.

"He was a dedicated officer who worked hard to serve Manitobans," MacLatchy says, adding that Poapst spent his entire near-13 years of service with RCMP in Manitoba. He had served in Portage La Prairie, Powerview, and the Court Liason Unit based out of Headingley.

MacLatchy says Poapst was a well-liked member of the RCMP and a massive fan of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. He had just recently traveled to Calgary to attend the 2019 Grey Cup and "watched his beloved Blue Bombers win – bringing the Cup back to Winnipeg."

Poapst was also a passionate hockey player and fan, and volunteered regularly with the True North Foundation Jets Training Academy for youth.

"To Allan’s family, friends and loved ones, you have our deepest condolences and please know that your police family will always be there for you," MacLatchy says.

"Allan is gone but he will never be forgotten by the many officers who worked by his side and by the people of Manitoba who he so proudly served."

MacLatchy herself was visibly affected by the loss.

"This is rattling," MacLatchey says. "These are my people and when I lose one of my people who is in the course of doing his duty and protecting Manitobans, its a tough day."

MacLatchy thanked members of the public for reaching out with words of condolences about Poapst. She says their "kind words are received, they matter and will be passed along to Allan's family," as well as to fellow officers.