A 36-year-old York Regional Police officer passed away Friday morning in hospital, more than two weeks after breaking his leg during an annual training exercise.

Const. Michael Pegg, a 10-year veteran, broke his leg during a requalification exercise at a facility in Vaughan on Nov. 12. He underwent surgery on Nov. 15 and never left the hospital afterward, according to a press release.

Pegg was assigned to the air support unit as a tactical flight officer in June 2008. The cause of his death has yet to be determined.

“It came as a shock,” said Const. Laura Nicolle, who said he was well known throughout the force.

“All of our officers are grieving and saddened by this sudden loss.

“I don’t know what part of (the requalification exercise) specifically resulted in the injury, but we all run through the exact same training year after year,” she said.

More than a hundred Facebook messages were left under his picture on the York Regional Police Facebook page.

“Thank you guys. This means alot (sic) to me and my family. Reading all of these comments help us remember that he was loved, by multiple people and not just his family. Thankyou (sic) again, The Botting and Pegg family,” wrote Josiah Botting.

Flags across York Regional Police facilities have been lowered to half-staff.

York Regional Police have asked the media to respect the privacy of the family while they deal with his unexpected death.