A police officer fatally shot in Clinton, Missouri has ties to Charlotte County, a family member of the officer confirmed Wednesday.

Christopher Ryan Morton, 30, died as a result of injuries sustained while responding to a 911 call Tuesday night. Tamara Morris, who lives close to Madisonville on the Charlotte County line, said she is Morton’s aunt and said the situation has been “heartbreaking.”

Morris described Morton as fun, with a lot of friends, who had a cheerful outlook and a love of service.

“He had the most contagious smile,” she said. “The best personality. Everybody loved him. He was very easygoing.”

She said Morton’s father and her brother, Darrel Morton, grew up in Phenix and served in the Air Force before being stationed and retiring in Missouri with his wife, Tara Morton, who previously lived in Keysville. She said Christopher Morton lived in Missouri growing up.

Morris said Morton’s dedication to the police force was evident to his family and friends.

“He was very proud to be a police officer, and he loved what he did,” Morris said.

Morris added that Morton served in the National Guard and was deployed overseas before becoming a police officer.

“When he went to the (police) academy, I think he graduated in 2015, he just knew that was what he wanted to do,” Morris said.

“That’s kind of our peace with this whole tragedy,” Morris added. “He died doing something that he loved. He wanted to serve and protect people.”

“You never think this is something that is going to happen in your family,” Morris said. “It’s so heartbreaking.”