Four dead, including a Washington deputy, after domestic call shooting; another deputy on life support

Four people, including a sheriff's deputy, have been killed in Spokane County, Washington state, after deputies responding to a domestic violence call were ambushed by a gunman. Another wounded deputy remains on life support in hospital and is not expected to survive, officials said.

Authorities said deputies from the Spokane County Sheriff's Office responded to a home on Tuesday after a woman ran to a neighbour's house reporting that her brother had shot her.

Responding officers learned the suspect had an active felony arrest warrant and had access to multiple guns, and that additional victims could be inside the home.

The sheriff's office deployed a SWAT team to assist at the home. As SWAT officers approached the house, a gunman opened fire from inside.

Spokane County Sheriff John Nowels told a news conference: 'SWAT team members and deputies approached the house, attempted to breach the door and were met with gunfire.'

Deputies returned fire and pulled the two wounded deputies to safety. Both were rushed to hospital, along with the initial female victim, who was treated for injuries that were not life-threatening.

Inside the home, investigators found one person dead, while another body was found in the yard. The suspect was also found dead on the property. Authorities have not released the identities of those who died.

On Wednesday, the sheriff's office confirmed that one of the wounded deputies had succumbed to his injuries. He is survived by his wife and two children.

The second deputy remains on life support but is not expected to survive, according to officials. The sheriff's office said that, as an organ donor, arrangements are being made, and he will continue to serve others with the gift of life.

'Although we know our deputies knew the risks, they bravely moved toward danger to protect others they did not know,' the sheriff's office said in a statement. 'They did this with honor and with an unwavering sense of duty to their oath to serve and protect the citizens of Spokane County; they heroically placed themselves in mortal danger.'