Winnipeg man torched in attack dies

A Winnipeg father who was attacked and set on fire has died after spending the last 16 days in hospital in critical condition.

Gerald Dumas, 47, died Monday, a spokesperson for his family said.

Dumas was doused with a flammable liquid in a back alley in the 500 block of Selkirk Avenue on the night of Sept. 10. Police say he was attacked during a robbery attempt as he walked alone in the lane.

The liquid used to burn him came from a container in Dumas's pocket.

When officers called to the scene found him, his clothes and skin were in flames. They used a fire extinguisher from their cruiser car to quench the flames.

Dumas suffered third-degree burns across his back, stomach and head. A relative told CBC News that facial features had been burned off.

Dumas's family described the father of two as a passive and gentle person.

A 19-year-old suspect in custody has been charged with aggravated assault, robbery with violence and breach of probation. Police could not be immediately reached for comment on whether the charges will be upgraded.